Kate Middleton's friend dispels Meghan Markle's Netflix docu-series claims that Kate 'isn't a hugger'

The Princess of Wales' friend has disputed the claims made by the Duchess of Sussex in her and Prince Harry's Netflix documentary.

Kate Middleton hugging fan with a drop in of Kate hugging a fan
(Image credit: Getty / Getty)

Kate Middleton's friend has dispelled Meghan Markle's claims that Kate 'isn't a hugger' after she spoke out about the 'jarring' greeting style.


Kate Middleton's friend has hit back at claims from Meghan Markle that Kate 'isn't a hugger' after the Duchess of Sussex opened up about meeting the Princess of Wales for the first time in Harry and Meghan's Netflix docu-series.

A close friend has spoken out to People to challenge the Duchess of Sussexes portrayal of Kate when it comes to her greetings.

"Kate's a big hugger," the friend said. "She is warm and friendly and greets everyone with a big hug and kiss. It comes naturally to her to be like that."

The anonymous friend's need to defend Kate comes after Meghan recalled the first time she met Prince William and Kate Middleton when they came over for dinner. 

In the docu-series Meghan revealed that she was "in ripped jeans and barefoot" when the Wales' visited Frogmore cottage.

"Like I was a hugger, always been a hugger," Meghan said. "I didn't realise that that is really jarring for a lot of Brits."

Meghan continued, "I guess I'd start to understand very quickly that the formality on the outside, carried through on the inside. There is a forward-facing way of being and then you close the door and you relax now. But that formality carries over on both sides. And that was surprising to me."

Kate Middleton hugging a royal fan

(Image credit: Getty)

But contrary to what Meghan claims, Kate has been pictured several times during official royal engagements in which she has been seen hugging members of the public.

One of the most recent hug greeting was made by Kate as she hugged two-year-old Charlotte Bunting - a girl with the same name as her daughter - as she leaves St Thomas Church, which has been has been redeveloped to provide support to vulnerable people, during their visit to Wales on September 27, 2022 in Swansea, Wales.

Harry and Meghan's last three episodes of their controversial docu-series have landed on Netflix - at the time when Kate is holding her annual Christmas carol concert, which the series is expected to tarnish.

Selina Maycock
Senior Family Writer

Selina is a Senior Family Writer for GoodtoKnow and has more than 16 years years of experience. She specialises in royal family news, including the latest activities of Prince George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie and Lilibet. She also covers the latest government, health and charity advice for families. Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism, and gained her NCTJ and NCE qualifications. During her career, she’s also written for Woman, Woman's Own, Woman&Home, and Woman's Weekly as well as Heat magazine, Bang Showbiz - and the Scunthorpe Telegraph. When she's not covering family news, you can find her exploring new countryside walking routes, catching up with friends over good food, or making memories (including award-winning scarecrows!)