Royal Fans Spot Signs Meghan Markle and Serena Williams Have Had a Falling Out
Royal fans are questioning Meghan Markle and Serena Williams’ longtime friendship after the tennis star’s latest Met Gala appearance.
Meghan Markle has found herself surrounded by fresh drama, and this time with Serena Williams. The two have been friends for roughly 12 years, but the friendship might be getting sour. The speculation arose when fans noticed Williams posing at the 2026 Met Gala with Emma Thynn and Edward Enninful.
The trio looked completely at ease together at the event, showing off just how close they have become. But the tennis star’s cozy appearance alongside Enninful and Thynn only added fuel to the growing speculation around her friendship with Markle. The chatter had already picked up after Williams’ much-discussed promotion of the Duchess’ As Ever brand on Instagram, and now fans are questioning whether the longtime bond between the two friends may not be as strong as it once was.
According to the Daily Mail, Markle has previously been compared to Emma Thynn, the Marchioness of Bath, as both women have launched lifestyle-focused brands. The outlet also noted that Williams appeared unfazed by the speculation, spending time with Thynn and even getting ready with her ahead of the Met Gala. The athlete captioned a post with Thynn, saying, “It’s MET Day!! My girl @emmathynn came to get ready with me!!”
At the same time, questions have continued to surface over Markle’s continued absence from the Met Gala guest list. Royal commentator Paula Froelich claimed on her Substack that the Duchess’s chances of attending may have been shut down well before the event itself, and it was allegedly due to the influence of fashion powerhouse Anna Wintour.
Wintour, who co-chaired the event alongside Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams this year, has reportedly never been especially warm toward Markle. It could be because she is known for her close ties to King Charles and the wider royal family. A cover of American Vogue was also never offered to the Suits star. According to reports, there were talks over a potential 2022 British Vogue cover. But eventually it fell apart after disagreements surrounding editorial control and other requests linked to the feature.
Nevertheless, on the day of the Met Gala, Markle was traveling for personal reasons. Over the weekend, she traveled to Chicago for a First Communion at Holy Name Cathedral. It was the communion ceremony of a child she is godmother to, whose parent also happen to be one of her closest friends from college. Before heading back to Montecito, California, according to a source, she arrived at the church early and waited with other families and friends inside before the ceremony began.
