Former Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter has offered contrasting assessments of Princess Diana and Meghan Markle whilst promoting his new memoir.
Carter, who edited the prestigious magazine from 1992 to 2017, shared his firsthand experiences with both royal women.
He spoke about his experiences with Meghan and Diana in his new memoir, "When the Going Was Good".
Carter's comments paint Diana as graceful and intelligent, whilst describing the Duchess of Sussex as "slightly adrift on the facts and reality."
Former Vanity Fair editor takes swipe at Meghan Markle after working with Duchess
PA
He recalled having multiple dinner conversations with Princess Diana, during which she displayed a curious and thoughtful nature.
"She was very intrigued," Carter told Page Six, noting how Diana asked insightful questions.
He specifically mentioned her interest in how Jackie Kennedy was treated by the Kennedy family, drawing parallels to her own experiences within the monarchy.
Carter, who co-hosted the Vanity Fair party where Diana wore her famous "revenge dress" following then-Prince Charles's admission of infidelity, expressed clear admiration for her.
His recollections emphasised Diana's intelligence and poise throughout their interactions.
These personal anecdotes offer a rare insight into Diana's private character and intellectual curiosity.
In stark contrast, Carter's assessment of Meghan was decidedly critical.
He recalled his initial reaction when she was suggested for a Vanity Fair cover in 2017, one of his last as editor: "I have no idea who that is."
Graydon Carter at a post-Oscar's party in 2006
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During that interview, Carter claimed Meghan questioned the journalist, asking: "Excuse me, is this going to all be about Prince Harry? Because I thought we were going to be talking about my charities and my philanthropy."
This interaction led to Carter's blunt verdict: "This woman is slightly adrift on the facts and reality."
His comments suggest he perceived a fundamental difference in Meghan's approach to media engagement compared to Diana's.
Carter also suggested that Princess Diana would feel profound sadness over the current Royal Family dynamics.
Princess Diana wearing her infamous revenge dress just hours after Charles confessed to adulteryPA"She would feel great sorrow over Prince Harry's estrangement from the Royal Family," he remarked in the interview.
He expressed particular concern about the division between the royal brothers.
"Anytime someone comes between siblings, that's a disaster, horrible for a family," Carter stated.
