She is considered the slightly different royal: Duchess Meghan. For the British media, she is to blame for the rift within the Royal Family; in her home country, the USA, she is supported as a victim of racism and a campaigner for women’s rights.
Santa Barbara / London – Meghan Markle was an active member of the British royal family for just a little more than two years – yet it was probably the most momentous period in recent history for the Royal Family.
At least since the “Megxit”, as the royal farewell to Meghan and her husband Prince Harry is called, the debate about the interpretive sovereignty of Meghan’s time in the palace has raged. The ex-actress (“Suits”) now lives in California with Harry (36) and their children Archie (2) and baby Lilibet. Today the committed fighter for women’s rights turns 40.
A breath of fresh air in the royal family
Announcement of the engagement to Queen’s grandson Harry on November 27, 2017, wedding on May 19, 2018, birth of son Archie on May 6, 2019 – and moving out of the palace in January 2020: Meghan’s short time in the Royal Family is like one Cyclone. The dynamic young woman impressed Royals fans with her self-confident, fresh appearance from an early age. Together with Harry’s brother Prince William and his wife Duchess Kate, the couple was celebrated in public as the “Fab Four”, a fantastic four. Hopes for a modernization of the royal family rested on the quartet.
But now the rift could hardly be deeper. With their move to Meghan’s home USA, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex caused trouble with Harry’s beloved grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, and there should be an icy atmosphere between the once familiar brothers. The fact that Meghan and Harry have been regularly criticizing the Royal Family in public since then, for example in the much-noticed TV interview with US presenter Oprah Winfrey, has significantly increased tensions. Meghan, in turn, with Harry close by her side, feels left alone by the royals, in the Oprah interview she complained about inhuman pressure and racism and spoke about suicidal thoughts.
Different perceptions
Team Meghan or Team Windsor – the fronts are clearly divided. This results in an interesting geographical distribution, because the perception is completely contrary in the USA and Great Britain. “Americans perceive Meghan Markle as a victim of racism,” says celebrity expert Ashley Pearson in the documentary “Meghan at 40: The Climb to Power”, which British broadcaster Channel 5 aired shortly before her birthday. For the British, in turn, Meghan is a narcissist who kidnapped the beloved Harry.
This is reflected in the reactions: Singer Beyoncé thanked Meghan for her courage. “We are all strengthened and inspired by you,” she wrote on her website. Former First Lady Michelle Obama also had Markle’s back. Such voices could hardly be heard in Great Britain, at most messages of defense came from the palace.
Californian vs. Windsor
There are many reasons for the difference in perception on both sides of the Atlantic. It is particularly noticeable that the times of the royal turmoil coincided with the greatest racism debate in the USA for decades. The violent death of African American George Floyd in May 2020 raised awareness of everyday and structural discrimination. This is also the case with the treatment of the American Markle in parts of the British press, whose reports were perceived by many Americans as racist. Meghan’s mother is black.
In addition, reservations about the British royal family as a yesterday’s institution are widespread in the United States, which led its war of independence against the United Kingdom. This is another reason for many to side with those who turn their backs on Windsor and prefer America as their more modern home. In California, Meghan and Harry are well received, they appear relaxed and modest at the same time.
Reconciliation remains questionable
The clash between the palace’s traditions and Meghan, who values independence and freedom of expression and was initially praised by the palace for this, was probably inevitable. But she is not the bad guy, Royals expert Emily Andrews points out – and the term “Megxit” is also wrong because he condemns Meghan as the mastermind. “The seeds were already planted, Harry wanted out,” says Andrews. The partly racist attacks against Meghan only gave him a reason. Above all, Harry wanted to protect his family with moving out. This is a consequence of the experiences of his mother Princess Diana, who had a fatal accident in 1997, pursued by paparazzi.
A reconciliation between Windsor and California is still possible, the Queen herself should be interested in it. Allegedly, she wants to invite Harry and Meghan to their platinum anniversary in 2022, then she has been on the throne for 75 years. The only question is whether there will be no interference by then. But new excitement is already in sight: Harry has announced his memoirs for 2022. dpa
