Meghan Markle Faces Online Backlash for ‘Copying Kate’ During Jordan Trip
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are back in the spotlight, this time for a humanitarian visit to Jordan. While the Duke and Duchess have kept a lower profile since stepping away from royal life, fans couldn’t resist comparing Meghan to Kate Middleton after a single photo from their trip went viral.
The couple, far removed from recent Royal Family drama—including former Prince Andrew’s arrest and ties to Jeffrey Epstein—focused their time abroad on philanthropy.
During the visit, they toured the Za’atari refugee camp, met with hospitalized children from Gaza, and visited the QuestScope Youth Center near Mafraq in northern Jordan.
Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton. Credit: Getty Images
It was at the youth center where Meghan kicked off a football with local children that fans took notice.
Social media quickly exploded with comments accusing her of “copying Kate,” who is famously sporty and often photographed participating in tennis, rugby, and football activities during official engagements.
The Duchess of Sussex dribbles with a football during a visit to the QuestScope Youth Center at the Za’atari refugee camp, home to displaced Syrians, near Mafraq in northern Jordan. Picture date: Wednesday February 25, 2026. (Photo by Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty Images)
Some fans wrote, “Cosplaying Catherine again. Meghan is obsessed with Catherine,” while others joked, “Ok this is actually kind of funny… never kicked a ball in her life.”
Another commented, “They left royal life to avoid this, and now look at them—so ridiculous!”
Kate Middleton has long been recognized for her athletic hobbies, from rugby drills with Maidenhead Rugby Club to football activities in Northern Ireland.
Meghan’s playful interaction with children, however genuine, was framed by critics as an attempt to mirror the Princess of Wales’ style.
LONDONDERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge kicks a football as Prince William, Duke of Cambridge looks during a visit to City of Derry Rugby Club on September 29, 2021 in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Despite the backlash, Harry and Meghan continue to focus on their work and family life. Living in Montecito, California, they prioritize raising Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, while balancing international engagements and charitable work.
Their trips may spark debate online, but for the couple, these moments are about connection, not competition.
What do you think—was Meghan just having fun with the kids, or is the Kate comparison overblown? Share your thoughts in the comments below!