A joke made by Rebel Wilson at last year’s British Academy Film Awards could be the reason behind Meghan Markle’s cold reception to the comedian when they first met.
The Pitch Perfect actress had a dig at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when she hosted the BAFTA Film Awards in 2022.
While introducing the nominees for most Outstanding British Film, Wilson mocked Prince Harry and Meghan’s explosive 2021 tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey.
“Our next package is for Outstanding British Film. From drama to horror to fantasy, Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah had it all,” Wilson said at the awards last year.
“Unfortunately, that’s not nominated in this category.”
The Australian comedian recently shared her awkward experience meeting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at a polo event on the American late-night program Watch What Happens Live.
Wilson recalled the encounter with the couple at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club with the show’s host Andy Cohen.
“Harry could not have been nicer,” Wilson said on Friday.
“But then Meghan was not as cool. She wasn’t as naturally warm.”
Fans have speculated the joke could have led to Meghan not being as “naturally warm” towards Wilson compared to Harry.
“Rebel Wilson, you seem like a smart girl. And hosting the BAFTA’s is a big deal and likely memorable as host,” a Twitter user said.
“Don’t remember what you said? Here to help! Meghan Markle wasn’t ‘naturally warm’ to you because you said this about her roughly two months prior.”
During her interview with Cohen on Friday, Wilson did offer one potential reason for the Duchess of Sussex’s frosty reception.
Wilson said at the polo event, her mother Sue asked Meghan, “Where are your kids?”
“And I’m like, ‘Mum, don’t ask her that’,” the 43-year-old explained to Cohen.
“Maybe that’s why she was like, who are these annoying convicts from Australia!”
Many comments on social media have defended the Duchess’ demeanour when first meeting Wilson.
“Meghan Markle isn’t ‘not cool’ for not warming up to Rebel Wilson’s mother, a stranger, badgering her about her kids,” a Twitter user said.
“She didn’t ask Harry about the kids… why was she harassing Meghan about them?”
“Meghan Markle doesn’t need to be warm and welcoming to Rebel Wilson or her mother,” another commented.
