The “Football” Photo That Went Viral

The current tour of Jordan marks the couple’s first major international venture since August 2024. Their itinerary has been packed with heavy-hitting humanitarian work, including visits to refugee camps and emotional meetings with hospitalized children from Gaza.

However, a lighthearted moment at the QuestScope Youth Center within the Za’atari refugee camp near Mafraq has overshadowed the mission’s gravity. During the visit, the Duchess was photographed kicking a football with a group of local children.

As the images circulated online, royal watchers were quick to draw comparisons—and not favorable ones—to the Princess of Wales.

Fans React: “Cosplaying Catherine”

The reaction across social media platforms was swift and biting, with many accusing Meghan of intentionally “copying” Kate Middleton’s well-documented athletic persona.

• “Cosplaying Catherine again. Meghan is obsessed with Catherine,” one user posted via The Express.

• Another skeptic chimed in: “Ok this is actually kind of funny… never kicked a ball in her life.”

• A third critic questioned the couple’s motives: “OMG!!!! They are trying so hard to be William and Catherine!! They left RF because they hated this kind of events and now look at them, they are soooo ridiculous!!!”

• “Look, I’m sporty too, you know!!! Wow she’s obsessed with Catherine,” added a fourth.

A Comparison of Styles

The root of the “obsession” narrative lies in Kate Middleton’s long-standing reputation as the Royal Family’s premier athlete. As the patron of the Rugby Football Union, the Princess of Wales is frequently seen in the thick of the action, whether she’s participating in rugby drills with the Maidenhead Rugby Club or showcasing her prowess on the tennis court.

Critically, many fans pointed back to September 2021, when Kate was photographed in a nearly identical scenario—kicking a football during a visit to the City of Derry Rugby Club in Northern Ireland. For many observers, the visual parallel was too close to be considered a coincidence.

While the Duchess’s supporters argue that engaging in sports with children is a standard diplomatic gesture for any public figure, the intense scrutiny highlights the inescapable comparisons that continue to define the Sussexes’ post-royal identity.

As the couple concludes their stay in Jordan, the debate remains: is this a genuine effort to connect with the youth of a war-torn region, or a calculated attempt to mirror the popular image of the monarchy they left behind?