While the monarchy faces fresh upheaval following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest and renewed scrutiny over his links to Jeffrey Epstein, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have continued concentrating on their business projects and family life.
The couple, who stepped back from royal duties several years ago, are raising their two children — Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four — far from the traditional royal environment Harry experienced growing up. Now based in Montecito, California, they have sought a more private life.
Yet despite leaving “the Firm,” Harry and Meghan have continued to undertake high-profile international visits. These appearances, where they are often welcomed with the formality once reserved for working royals, have reportedly frustrated King Charles and Prince William. Still, the Sussexes have pressed ahead with what some describe as “royal-style” tours.
A Football Moment Sparks Criticism
Their latest visit to Jordan marked their first international tour together since August 2024. During the trip, they visited a refugee camp and met with children hospitalized after fleeing Gaza, among other engagements.
However, one particular moment has drawn online ridicule. While visiting the QuestScope Youth Center at the Za’atari refugee camp near Mafraq, Meghan joined children for a brief kickabout, playing football during the visit.
As photos circulated, critics quickly accused her of imitating Catherine, Princess of Wales.
According to Express, one commenter wrote: “Cosplaying Catherine again. Meghan is obsessed with Catherine.”
Another added: “Ok this is actually kind of funny… never kicked a ball in her life.”
A third said, “OMG !!!! They are trying so hard to be William and Catherine !! They left RF because they hated this kind of events and now look at them, they are soooo ridiculous !!! Look at her.”
A fourth commented: “Look, I’m sporty too, you know!!! Wow she’s obsessed with Catherine.”
Comparisons to the Princess of Wales
The criticism largely stems from Kate Middleton’s well-known enthusiasm for sport. The Princess of Wales is frequently photographed participating in athletic activities during official engagements and serves as patron of the Rugby Football Union.
In the past, she has joined professional players from Maidenhead Rugby Club in training drills and has long been associated with tennis patronages. She was also photographed kicking a football during a visit to City of Derry Rugby Club in Northern Ireland in September 2021.
For some online observers, Meghan’s football moment in Jordan invited comparisons. For others, it was simply a light-hearted interaction with children during a humanitarian visit.
Regardless, the episode underscores the intense scrutiny that continues to follow the Sussexes — even during charitable work abroad — and the persistent comparisons drawn between Meghan and her sister-in-law.
