On July 10, 2018, a significant moment in British royal history unfolded as the Royal Family gathered on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to witness a spectacular flypast marking the centenary of the Royal Air Force (RAF).

This grand national celebration was not only a tribute to 100 years of the RAF but also a rare occasion that brought together members of the royal family in public unity.

However, beneath the surface of this historic event, subtle tensions were beginning to emerge, hinting at the complex dynamics within the family, particularly involving Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, and Catherine, the Princess of Wales.

The day was marked by pomp and ceremony, with more than 2,200 attendees at Westminster Abbey for a commemorative service.

High-profile figures including then-Prime Minister Theresa May, Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson, and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn were present to honor the RAF’s centennial milestone.

Following the solemn service, the royal family engaged with veterans, military personnel, charity representatives, and civil servants, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to public service and national unity.

The highlight of the day was the flypast of 100 aircraft, each representing a year of the RAF’s history, soaring gracefully over Buckingham Palace.

The royal family assembled on the iconic balcony to watch this breathtaking display, a moment that was broadcast worldwide and symbolized continuity and tradition.

Queen Elizabeth II, as the family matriarch, led the celebrations, embodying the unity and stability of the monarchy.

Yet, while the public image was one of harmony, keen observers and body language experts have since identified subtle signs of discord, particularly between Meghan Markle and Catherine Middleton.

One such moment occurred during the Westminster Abbey service when the two duchesses were seen greeting the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr.

John Hall.

At this juncture, Prince William stepped deliberately between his wife, Catherine, and Meghan, effectively acting as a “human shield.”

Judi James, a renowned body language expert, analyzed this interaction for MailOnline and described William’s actions as protective and strategic.

She interpreted his positioning as a clear sign of tension, suggesting that William was consciously placing himself between Catherine and Meghan to prevent any direct confrontation.

James noted William’s body language, including him ducking his head and moving closer to Catherine, accompanied by a lip-sucking gesture often associated with regret or discomfort.

This subtle but telling behavior hinted at the underlying strains within the royal household that would later become public knowledge.

The incident came just months after an alleged clash between Meghan and Catherine over the bridesmaids’ dresses for Meghan’s wedding to Prince Harry.

Initial reports suggested that Meghan had made Catherine cry during a disagreement about Princess Charlotte’s outfit, though Meghan later denied this version of events.

In her bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, Meghan claimed she was the one who felt hurt and that Catherine had apologized and even sent flowers as a peace offering.

The contrasting accounts reflect the complexity of the relationship and the differing perspectives within the royal family.

Tom Quinn, author of Yes, Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants, provides further insight into the bridesmaid dress incident.

According to Quinn, both Meghan and Catherine were “really upset” during the exchange, with emotions running high on both sides.

A former royal staff member revealed that the disagreement was “subtly altered” and exaggerated by the media, becoming a symbol for broader tensions between Meghan and other family members, including William.

The incident, while personal, was magnified into a public narrative that fueled speculation about a rift within the monarchy.

Judi James offers an alternative interpretation of William’s body language during the RAF event.

She suggests that the spatial gap between William and Meghan, and his movement to stand closer to Catherine, could be explained by royal protocol and social etiquette.

Royal events often involve a strict “pecking order,” and newcomers like Meghan, who was new to the royal family, had to navigate these established hierarchies carefully.

James explains that William’s repositioning might have been a polite adjustment to include Meghan without breaking protocol, ensuring he did not turn his back on her, which would be considered rude.

Despite this, the physical and emotional distance between the two couples—William and Catherine, and Harry and Meghan—was noticeable.

The so-called “Fab Four,” once seen as a united front, began to show signs of division.

Photographs from the day capture moments of subtle separation, with the couples often standing apart or avoiding direct interaction.

This growing divide would later culminate in the Sussexes’ decision to step back from senior royal duties, a move that shocked the nation and the world.

The RAF centenary event thus serves as a microcosm of the larger tensions that would come to define the relationship between the two duchesses and their husbands.

It highlights the challenges of blending new family members into a centuries-old institution steeped in tradition and protocol.

Meghan’s arrival into the royal family was met with a mixture of curiosity, admiration, and resistance, as she navigated the complex social dynamics and expectations placed upon her.

The public and media scrutiny surrounding Meghan and Catherine’s relationship intensified following the wedding and the subsequent Oprah interview.

Meghan’s revelations about feeling isolated and unsupported within the royal family, coupled with allegations of racial bias, sparked widespread debate and divided public opinion.

Catherine, meanwhile, was often portrayed as the traditionalist, embodying the established norms of royal conduct.

The narrative of rivalry between the two women became a focal point for media coverage, sometimes overshadowing their individual roles and contributions.

Beyond the personal dynamics, the RAF centenary event also underscored the evolving nature of the monarchy itself.

The royal family faces the challenge of remaining relevant in a modern world while preserving its heritage and values.

Events like the RAF centenary are opportunities to showcase unity and continuity, but they also reveal the human complexities behind the public facade.

Prince William’s role as a mediator and protector during the event reflects the broader responsibilities placed on senior royals to maintain family cohesion and public confidence.

His actions, whether interpreted as protective or protocol-driven, demonstrate the delicate balancing act required to manage relationships within the royal household and with the public.

Looking back, the RAF centenary flypast and the interactions on that day offer valuable insights into the early stages of the Sussex-Cambridge rift.

They provide context for understanding the subsequent developments that have shaped the royal family’s narrative over the past several years.

The event is a reminder that beneath the grandeur and ceremony, the royal family is composed of individuals navigating personal relationships, emotions, and challenges just like any other family.

In conclusion, the July 10, 2018, RAF centenary celebrations were a momentous occasion marked by national pride and royal tradition.

Yet, they also revealed subtle but significant signs of tension within the royal family, particularly between Meghan Markle and Catherine Middleton.

Prince William’s intervention as a “human shield” between the two duchesses symbolized the protective instincts and complex dynamics at play.

As the royal family continues to evolve and face new challenges, these moments serve as poignant reminders of the personal stories that unfold behind the scenes of one of the world’s most famous institutions.

The legacy of that day remains a testament to the intricate blend of duty, family, and individuality that defines the modern British monarchy.