Meghan Markle shows subtle support for pop star despite close ties to Prince William

Meghan Markle posted a story on Instagram and included a song from Taylor Swift's new album before her lifestyle brand's holiday product drop went live. On October 28, Meghan posted a new video in which Swift's song "Opalite" from her new album played in the background.

The video showed Meghan's hand moving a mug near a laptop on a desk in her home office, with the screen on the website of her As Ever lifestyle brand. Meghan turned the camera around to a glowing candle from her holiday drop and also showed her two dogs sleeping in baskets. The festive collection from her As Ever lifestyle line includes some of her signature fruit spreads, mulling spice kits, a vintage Napa Valley brut and hand-poured candles, the brand's first foray into home goods.

Ms Swift's latest album has generated significant disagreement within her fanbase, with detractors pointing to what they perceive as "less sophisticated lyrics" than her 2020 work "Folklore".

However, supporters argue that the apparent straightforwardness represents an intentional creative decision. The album was released on October 3 and has achieved commercial success so far.

Meghan is known to be a Taylor fan, as her attendance at the singer's Los Angeles performance in August 2023 is well documented.

As the pop icon launched into her Fearless era, telling the crowd, "Let's go back to high school!", Meghan jumped up out of her seat to sing along to "You Belong with Me."

Over the summer, the Duchess of Sussex also liked Taylor and her fiancé Tavis Kelce's Instagram announcing their engagement, as did Prince William and Kate.

In June 2024, Prince William celebrated his 42nd birthday with his children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte at Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour" in London.

The Royal Family shared a photo backstage with Taylor and the American football player. The candid photo, shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales' official Instagram account, shows Swift beaming alongside the three royals as she captures the moment. The caption read, "Thank you @taylorswift for a great evening! #LondonTSTheErasTour."

On her own Instagram account, Swift posted a photo featuring herself posing with William, George, Charlotte.