Meghan Markle Feels Her 'Hands Are Tied': 'It Has Been Very Difficult'

Rumors of a feud between Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have been rampant in recent months. There have even been allegations that their differences are what caused The Royal Foundation to split apart. Now its being reported that any disconnect between the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Sussex may be due to Meghan feeling as though the British public holds her to unattainable standards in their comparison to Kate.

According to Us, the former "Suits" actress reportedly secretly feels as though "there is a standard set very high" by her sister-in-law, which Meghan finds difficult to live up to.

"It's discouraging that the British public holds her up to that," an insider told the publication, adding, "Meghan has this sense of isolation being in the U.K., subject to cruel British media. Her hands are tied and she isn't allowed to defend herself. It has been very difficult."

READ: Why Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton Struggle With Privacy More Than Princess Diana Did

While both women married into the British royal family, they come from very different backgrounds, which may shine a light into how each stepped into their roles. Meghan grew up in California and didn't relocate to the U.K. until she got engaged to Prince Harry in 2017. In contrast, Kate grew up in England, just like Prince William, which afforded her the opportunity to understand the environment a bit more before entering the spotlight.

"They are different women with different roles from different cultures," Princess Diana's former butler Paul Burrell told Us back in April, adding, "Kate knows that Meghan is no threat to her, and Meghan is mature enough to realize that her role is vastly different to Kate's."

Due to that understanding, Burrell ultimately said that he didn't believe that jealousy was the cause of any potential differences they may have.