Ever since Meghan Markle married Prince Harry back in May, the former actress has been the toast of London.
In fact, you could call her the Queen of the British Empire, were it not for the fact that that title is already held by an iconic nonagenarian who doesn’t seem to keen on the idea of relinquishing it anytime soon.
Of course, barring a series of violent tragedies that would make George R.R. Martin blush, Meghan will never actually be queen, as her husband is third in line for the throne.
Prince William, however, will likely wear the crown one day, which means Kate Middleton will join him as one of the world’s two most visible monarchs.
And if recent reports are to be believed, Kate is very much looking forward to the time when she can steal her spotlight back from Meg.
Yes, the news of Meghan’s pregnancy came just a few months after her wedding, and insiders say Kate feels as though she’s been shoved to the margins.
Of course, patience is Kate’s best-known virtue — she didn’t earn the nickname "Waity" for nothing — but when it comes to reclaiming her spot as the queen bee of Kensington Palace, Kate is not biding her time.
Royal watchers have noticed that the Duchess of Cambridge has been attending more events, posing for more pics, and rocking more daring fashions in recent weeks.
"A couple of years ago, you might have seen her being a little bit timid," Royal expert Susan E. Kelley recently told Vanity Fair.
"Now, she seems like she’s in a more take-charge position," Kelley added.
"I’m beginning to see the person who’s going to be queen emerging."
Of course, given the timing of Kate’s emboldened stance toward the media, it’s not hard to see why so many have jumped to the conclusion that she’s responding to the increased attention toward Meghan.
Insiders have noted that in many ways, Meg is the ideal royal spouse, having entered the role with years of media experience and a long history of philanthropic work.
British tabloids have described the relationship between Meghan and Kate as a rivalry, but that seems inaccurate.
Even if Kate is stepping her game up in response to the increase in attention toward Meghan, that doesn’t mean she feels threatened by the former Suits star.
It’s entirely possible she welcomes a little friendly competition.