Athlete Serena Williams has long been friends with Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, but during a June 2018 interview, the tennis professional had kind things to say about a different member of Britain's royal family.

While speaking to InStyle last June, Williams complimented Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Markle’s then newfound sister-in-law, instead of her longtime pal. When questioned who she considered being a “bad[expletive] woman” the now 37-year-old was quick to name Kate Middleton alongside performance artists Rihanna and Beyoncé.

So, why choose Kate over Meghan? When speaking with the magazine about the topic of Middleton's appearances post-pregnancy and her being able to go out in public so quickly after giving birth to her three children, Williams called Kate “officially No. 1.”

READ: Why Queen Elizabeth Is Called ‘Equal’ With Kate Middleton And Not Meghan Markle

Still, Markle didn’t go without mention in the interview. One month post-wedding to Prince Harry, which Williams attended, she mentioned she was glad to see her longtime pal happily wed. “...it was super fun. You know, I’ve known Meghan for years, so it was good to see my friend happy,” she said.

Of course, Williams has had multiple complimentary things to say about Markle in the past. Just before Meghan and Prince Harry welcomed their first child, son Archie, into the world in May, Williams gushed to E! Online about her friend’s motherly instincts. “She’ll be the best mom, for sure,” Williams said.

The two friends are expected to have their next meetup at Wimbledon when the event gets underway at the All England Club in London on July 1.

Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle
Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are pictured attending day twelve of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships on July 14, 2018 in London, England. Clive Mason/Getty Images
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