Meghan Markle will never win over the UK public again for one compelling reason: the shadow of controversy has obscured her once-charming image. This figure, once celebrated as a breath of fresh air within the British monarchy, finds herself grappling with a legacy entwined in scandal.
In 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made headlines as they stepped back from royal duties and relocated to California, marking a significant pivot in their lives. Now, Meghan prepares for a noticeable return to public eye, a move laden with both promise and peril.
Reports reveal that the mother of two is set to launch her Netflix series and lifestyle brand, dubbed “American Riviera Orchard,” in 2025. Yet, as Meghan stirs the pot with her new endeavors, the repercussions of past grievances still echo. With the Duke having aired significant grievances during their high-profile interview with Oprah, many hold reservations about her acceptance back into the fold of British society.
“Things shift rapidly in public perception, but I can’t envision a warm welcome for her,” stated Ingrid Seward, a seasoned royal commentator. “Perhaps a younger audience might resonate with her, but many of the older generations harbor doubts.”
While Meghan’s beauty and style continue to gain admiration, it does not translate into affection. Seward further elaborated, “The public sentiment is distinctly negative at present. People in the U.K. simply don’t warm to her.”
Since distancing themselves from royal duties, the Duchess of Sussex and her husband, Prince Harry, have found themselves at odds with their family. They cited persistent media intrusions and instances of racial prejudice as catalysts for their departure from royal life. Meghan’s participation in a televised interview with Oprah Winfrey caught the world’s attention, earning nearly 50 million viewers and further polarizing public opinion.
In the lead-up to their interview, The Times of London released damaging allegations against Meghan, claiming she drove out personal assistants and humiliated staff at Kensington Palace. Meghan’s legal representatives swiftly rejected the claims, framing them as yet another assault on her character.
The fallout from these accusations has been severe, leading to a significant dip in their popularity. As Seward noted, “In the U.K., they’re simply not favored, especially not Meghan. She is often perceived as someone who has taken her husband from his family, while also distancing from her own father.”
Seward emphasized that the perception of the Sussexes is low; Harry remains somewhat likable, yet many believe he has been manipulated by Meghan. “At this moment, the public simply isn’t interested in their story, focusing more on their missteps than their successes.”
“People are fickle, and change is always possible,” Seward notes thoughtfully.
“I think people really have a very, very low opinion of the Sussexes… I think there is a big fondness for Harry still. I think people feel that he’s totally manipulated by his wife, which we don’t know, but I think people feel that.”
In June 2023, Buckingham Palace revealed that they conducted an internal inquiry regarding the allegations of bullying involving Meghan. Although the specifics of the findings remain concealed for confidentiality reasons, reports stated that updates to the palace’s human resources policies were in progress.
Criticism of Meghan has long been a staple of her public life. From avocados to fingernail polish, tabloids have scrutinized her existence, yet she is not the first royal to suffer such media attacks. Historical precedent shows that the relationship between the royalty and the press has been contentious for years.
Harry’s mother, Princess Diana faced similar trials, relentlessly pursued by paparazzi until her tragic passing in a car accident in 1997, a fate that left an indelible mark on Harry’s psyche. He expressed fears of repeating history, a testament to his protective instinct over Meghan.
Kate Middleton’s early years in the limelight were no less torturous. Her experience as “Waity Katy” evolved into a public affection, and she is now viewed as a future leader of the monarchy.
However, the drama surrounding the Sussexes persists, impacting their attempts to shift the narrative in their favor. Although many speculate if Meghan can reclaim the public’s heart through her new ventures in the States, difficulties lie ahead.
Page Six has reported that Meghan’s Netflix series, focusing on themes such as “cooking, gardening, and entertaining,” is set to debut in early 2025 alongside her lifestyle brand. Sources indicate that team members from Archewell, the charitable organization she and Harry created, are involved in these new projects.
According to insiders, Meghan has been diligently crafting her entrepreneurial endeavors behind the scenes. Much anticipation surrounds this forthcoming year for her, said to be chock-full of fresh, promising initiatives.
However, a source familiar with the couple remarked that Meghan would remain under public scrutiny, regardless of her actions. Observations have been made regarding her often portrayed as controlling or overshadowing Harry.
Amidst the uncertainty, Schofield expressed skepticism about the success of the lifestyle brand. “There’s ongoing chaos surrounding them,” she stated, further asserting that a key factor for captivating audiences lies in authenticity, which she believes Meghan lacks.
Approximately three years ago, a fairy tale came to life as Meghan married Harry, but now, many question if she can ever recapture the magic of that day. As Schofield put it, “That was her pinnacle; a revival may not be feasible after the turmoil that followed.”
In her quest for redemption, Meghan Markle may find that the ghosts of the past prove more formidable than anticipated. The complexities of public sentiment and personal struggles intertwine, creating a narrative that is as engaging as it is intricate.
