This week, the biggest fashion event of the year returned to New York City as the Met Gala took place. While the red carpet was packed with icons like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and Lauren Sanchez, some of the most talked-about names were notably absent.
All eyes were waiting to see if Meghan Markle and Prince Harry would finally make their high-fashion debut alongside Anna Wintour, but the Duchess of Sussex — much like Zendaya — was a complete no-show.
The Wintour Feud: Allegations Of A Royal Ban
Reports have been spreading via Page Six and the Daily Mail suggesting that the Met’s gatekeeper, Anna Wintour, has turned against the duchess.
A person in the know explained to The Mail that the rift dates back to 2019, when Meghan collaborated with then-British Vogue editor Edward Enninful on the “Forces for Change” issue.
The insider told The Mail: “Meghan pledged her allegiance to Enninful, which pissed off Anna. Anna hates her. Meghan doesn’t want to pay, and never returns things.”
Furthermore, the “Queen of Fashion” is reportedly protective of the British Monarchy‘s traditional image. The source revealed, “Anna loves the Royal Family. She is a Dame. Anna would have hated how the Sussexes handled their exit from The Firm.”
This is a sharp contrast to 2019, when Wintour claimed during an “Ask Anna” session that Meghan’s style was “amazing” and “chic,” even stating, “I think the two young duchesses… are going to keep the royal family afloat.”
The Chicago Solo Trip: A Godmother’s Duty
Unhappy with the narrative that she was snubbed or “spiraling,” Meghan Markle was quick to set the record straight. According to PEOPLE, the duchess was absent from the Met because of a deeply personal commitment.
Reporter Natalie Martinez posted a photo on X that has been mysteriously deleted, showing the duchess at the Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago on Saturday, May 2.
The publication explained that the duchess “traveled solo to attend the First Communion of her godson, the son of one of her closest friends from her time at Northwestern University. This trip also coincided with a period of personal reflection for the Duchess regarding her family.”
Pews Over Palaces: Meghan’s Low-Profile Appearance
In an effort to emphasize the trip’s private nature, the source told PEOPLE that Meghan arrived early at the church and waited with other families in the pews.
The insider claimed that she “didn’t use a separate entrance or have any special accommodations,” choosing instead to blend in with the other guests.
Despite this, critics have mocked the duchess, suggesting the timing of the trip — just days before Prince Archie‘s 7th birthday on May 6 — was a tactical “PR pivot.”
Skeptics believe she was never on the guest list to begin with and used the First Communion as a graceful exit.
