Breaking Rules for Meghan
Prince Harry’s marriage to Meghan Markle was a big moment for the royal family. Many aspects of their relationship, and Meghan Markle’s past, meant unprecedented obstacles for the Queen to encounter. The Queen bent the rules and let Harry bring Meghan to the family Christmas party before they were married. She also let Harry marry Meghan, a divorcee, in a church. While these may sound like small events to us commoners, in the royal tradition, they were a pretty big deal. That being said, there are plenty of things Her Majesty has put her foot down about.
Breaking Rules For Meghan
Fight Over Crown Jewels
Kate Middleton is a pretty tough sister-in-law to compete with, especially if she has the Queen’s favor. Reportedly Meghan wanted to borrow a necklace from the Royal Collection, and the Queen refused. Harry then remarked, “Meghan gets what Meghan wants.” The Queen is reported to have replied, “Oh no, she doesn’t.” Kate is often seen borrowing jewels from the royal collection, so it seems that she gets preferential treatment when it comes to borrowing from the Queen.
Fight Over Crown Jewels
Bringing Kate to Tears
When Harry and Meghan got married, Kate and William had only welcomed Prince Louis to the world less than one month prior. Postpartum mothers are often dealing with heightened emotions, and it seems that Meghan was not so sensitive to her sister in law’s state. It has been reported that Meghan was harsh about what Kate and her daughter Charlotte would be wearing to her wedding. This minor clash even drove Kate to tears. This cannot have helped the two princes’ already rumored troubled relationship.
Bringing Kate To Tears
Not So Picture Perfect
When it comes to the royals and picture-perfect scenes, things are hardly random. These photos are taken at a celebration of the armies of Great Britain and the Queen’s birthday. As you can see in these photos, the Queen, her husband, Will, Kate, and their kids all take front and center stage. If you look more closely, however, you will see Meghan and Harry pushed toward the back. Was this done to keep them out of the private eye or to show their importance as lower than the future heir to the throne? Whatever the reason, it must have stung for Meghan.
Not So Picture Perfect
The Plot Thickens
The plot thickened when one lip-reading expert reported that Harry then instructed his wife and face forward like everyone else- instead of hiding in the back and trying to speak on the side to her husband. Was this a moment of rebellion on Meghan’s part? When attending such a formal event, surely it is important to show respect to the Queen and give one’s full attention. Meghan’s behavior here suggests subordination and hidden hostilities.
The Plot Thickens
Trouble in Paradise
Some say what drove Harry’s snap at Meghan to turn around and pay attention at the Queen’s birthday event was because even the children in attendance were able to pay their respects as the British national anthem played. Perhaps Meghan, an American, did not feel connected to her new country. Whatever the reason, she should have dug down and been attentive, at least for the benefit of her husband’s reputation.
Trouble In Paradise
Double Standards Emerge
At the Order of the Garter, an important royal event, Duchess Camilla, is seen asking Kate and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands to kindly be quiet and pay attention. The difference here? Kate was asked gently and nicely, unlike the embarrassment Meghan suffered when Harry grew tense with her and asked her to pay attention. Perhaps Kate, as the mother to the heirs of the throne, gets special treatment. That can’t be easy for Meghan to digest.
Double Standards Emerge
Divorce Shocks the Family
Anyone who has watched The Royals knows that Queen Elizabeth has struggled with allowing members of the royal family to marry people who have been divorced in the past. Traditionally, this is a big no-no. The Queen, however, broke royal tradition when she allowed Prince Harry to marry Meghan Markle and for Meghan to join the family. Meghan married Trevor Engelson back in 2011, but only after eighteen months of marriage, ended the relationship.
Divorce Shocks The Family
Instagram Blunder
When Harry and Meghan got engaged, Meghan had to delete her Instagram account. Part of her new royal duties included maintaining a strict public image. In an effort to reach more people, Harry and Meghan started a joint account called Sussex Royals. Many people were quick to point out some typos and errors that suspect a certain American was actually handling the account, instead of a PR professional. These errors, including misusing the word every day and referring to cribs and diapers- which are both American terms.
Instagram Blunder
Don’t Marry an Actress
It seems that Phillip had some harsh words for Harry when he announced he was dating Meghan, an American actress. The Queen’s husband reportedly responded, “One steps out with an actress; one does not marry them.” Throughout history, actors have been plagued with a bad reputation, and for the royals, that is no different in 2020. Meghan’s career background has given them major pause as they have tried to adjust to Meghan’s presence in their family.
Don’t Marry An Actress
What Does Phillip Really Think?
Despite his comment about actresses to Harry, it seems that Prince Phillip has actually embraced Meghan. He was one of the first people who got to meet baby Archie, and every photo indicates that he is happy with the couple. These mixed signals could be what eventually led to Harry and Meghan making their royal exit. It is hard to thrive in a family structure that does not totally accept you.
What Does Phillip Really Think
The Degree Wife
According to The Sunday Times, a royal insider deemed Meghan “the degree wife.” This refers to British students who take three years to get a degree and means that Harry will likely only be with Meghan for a fleeting time of a few years. In short, this royal does not believe this couple is built to last. Unfortunately for Meghan, this would not be the first or last time she was given a rather nasty nickname.
The Degree Wife
Meghan the Diva?
Other unfortunate nicknames given to Meghan imply she is no rose to be around. One such nickname is “me-gain” which is supposed to refer to the way she treats her closest staff. Another name includes “Duchess Difficult,” which is supported by claims that Meghan is spoiled and not easy going. One insider reports on a specific occasion when Meghan “yelled at someone for suggesting she wear ‘garbage’ tights from M&S.” And it is not just her staff reporting these incidents…
Meghan The Diva
Meghan Changes Harry
Prince Harry was always beloved by his staff, and everyone had seemingly nothing but positive things to say about the young royal. Sure he has had his bad-boy days, but people have always said his core is nothing but sweet. That is until Meghan entered the picture. Now many report that Prince Harry has changed, and when he is with Meghan, he becomes difficult and aloof. Staff also reports he is more grumpy and moody since he started a relationship with Meghan.
Meghan Changes Harry
A Wedge in the Family
No doubt, it is no easy task for Harry to manage his relationship with Meghan, his relationship with his family, and then Meghan’s relationship with his family. Though Harry has always had a rebellious streak, he is now forced to show his loyalty and love for his family. He has also had to stick up for Meghan and draw some hard lines for the sake of their relationship. No doubt, so much tension is extremely taxing and emotional for Harry.
A Wedge In The Family
A Short Engagement
A mere six months after announcing his engagement to Meghan Markle, she and Harry tied the knot in a very public and televised wedding. It has been rumored that Harry was under intense pressure to reevaluate his relationship with Meghan and to be sure if he wanted to marry her. As reported, Prince Phillip expressed his concern about Harry marrying an actress. But it seems his own brother, Prince William, also pushed Harry on the issue, asking if he was absolutely sure. All this doubt seems to have pushed Harry in the opposite direction from what his royal family wanted and caused him to marry Meghan that much faster.
A Short Engagement
The Ex Returns
Things have to be pretty bad for a very public ex to remerge to check on her former flame. That was reportedly the situation with Harry’s ex, Chelsy Davy, popped back into the Prince’s life to check on his well being. Chelsy reportedly did not want a life in the spotlight, and that this was a major factor in the ending of the two’s relationship. It is possible that Prince Harry still carries a torch for his one-time love.
The Ex Returns
Meghan Ignores Royal Protocol
As we’ve seen, Meghan has had a difficult time at royal events and adjusting, as well as displaying proper royal protocol. Her small rebellions do not end just at public events. It might seem silly, but even down to her nail polish, Meghan has tested what is acceptable for a member of the royal family. Certainly, it is a difficult role to adjust to, especially coming from America, where there is no royal family or traditions. But since her child is one-half British, Meghan might consider coming towards Harry if she wants to keep their relationship alive.
Meghan Ignores Royal Protocol
Breaks in the Foundation
A charity founded by both William and Harry, The Royal Foundation, was split after Harry’s marriage to Meghan. A formal royal worker warned, “That’s a sign there’s a problem.” Before Meghan entered the picture, Harry, Kate, and Will seemed to get along fabulously. There were high hopes that Meghan would fit in and make these couples the “Fabulous Four.” Instead, what we see is more separation and distance.
Breaks In The Foundation
Africa Bound?
One reason why Harry and Will split The Royal Foundation was that Harry and Meghan wanted to direct their efforts toward other charities. Harry has been a long time champion of Sentebale, a charity that children’s physical and mental health in countries like Botswana and Lesotho. Many believe Harry and Meghan are considering moving to Africa to further their charitable endeavors there. That’s certainly putting a lot of space between themselves and the royal family.
Africa Bound
Priyanka Chopra Defends Meghan
Priyanka Chopra has spoken out about the unfair treatment of Meghan within British society and the royal family. Priyanka stated, “I’ve seen that, and it’s really unfortunate. But if there’s anyone who can handle it, it’s her,” and she continued, “Of course it has to do with racism, it’s an obvious reason.” Racism has been a core issue in Britain as many have been unwelcoming of Meghan. That is certainly a painful and challenging situation for Meghan as she tries her best to adjust to a completely new life. Glad to see her famous friends have her back.
Priyanka Chopra Defends Meghan
The Queen Does Not Attend Archie’s Baptism
Christenings in the royal family tend to be major events. Historically, the Queen attends her grandchildren’s baptisms, but with Archie, she was mysteriously not present. As we can see in this photo- there is one Queen sized the elephant in the room. The Queen’s odd absence from this important event is made even more baffling when we consider that around the same time, the Queen was supposedly working on planning Meghan a 38th birthday party. Talk about mixed signals.
The Queen Does Not Attend Archie’s Baptism
Harry Drops His Friends
Any royal watcher knows that Harry has a long friendship with two close friends- Tom Inskip and Astrid Harbord. Since school days, these three have been thick as thieves. One friend claims, “Tom has been dropped,” and continues, “It’s all part of Meghan’s quiet airbrushing out of Harry’s old posse. She doesn’t want temptation – of any sort – being put in his way while they concentrate on starting a family.” Unfortunately, one sign of an unhealthy relationship is withdrawing from your close friends and family.
Harry Drops His Friends
Independent or Misguided?
The royal protocol has existed for so many years, and women in the royal family have seemingly agreed to abide by this predetermined code. Meghan Markle, however, continually defies royal protocol with how she dresses. Is she being a strong and independent woman who is paving her own path? Or is she simply trying to disrespect her new family? Meghan has repeatedly worn sleeveless dresses and gone without tights– two major no-nos for any royal woman.
Independent Or Misguided
Her Biological Family
Meghan could not have grown up more different than her husband, Harry. The two’s socio-economic situations as children are basically polar opposites. Meghan also has a difficult relationship with her family. She has a half-brother Tom, who she does not speak to, and her sister has been nothing but spiteful since Meghan announced her engagement. If there is one thing the royal family wants to avoid, it is drama, so Meghan’s background and family’s behavior cannot be helping matters.
Her Biological Family
Americans Are a Big No
Perhaps the most fundamental issue with the royals, when they learned of Harry’s intention to marry Meghan, is the fact that she is American. As the actual prince of Great Britain, Harry has certain traditions and heritage to live up to. Americans are long seen by royal admirers as a big no, and even a betrayal to royal traditions. Not only that, culturally American and Brits are very different, and it certainly cannot be easy for Meghan to adjust to new rules, culture, and protocols.
Americans Are A Big No
Prince Charles Shows Meghan Love
An anonymous family member told Vanity Fair that Harry’s dad, the Prince of Wales, has a “lovely relationship with the duchess.” “Charles showed so much love towards Harry and Meghan,” the source said. “I think Harry will be eternally grateful to his papa for stepping in and giving Meghan’s hand in marriage.” It is heartwarming to see that someone came out to fight for Harry, and most of all that the person to do so was his father.
Prince Charles Shows Meghan Love
Working Too Hard?
Public relations expert Nick Ede believes that Meghan has taken on more than she can handle. Nick reports, “This is somebody who has just entered the Royal Family, who is working quadruply as hard as she was learning scripts for Suits,” he said. “She has actually put herself in a position where it’s not an easy life – there are far easier things to do than this.” It is possible that Meghan has struggled with taking on too much too soon, and would benefit from relaxing her royal duties and taking things one step at a time.
Working Too Hard
Is She Spending Unwisely?
Harry and Meghan have come under major scrutiny with the decision to spend $3 million renovating their home. Why is this an issue? Because part of those funds come from the taxpayers themselves. Many have questioned why so much money is needed and why Meghan cannot take a more humble approach to her living situation. Now with Harry and Meghan’s exit from public life, it is unknown what will become of Frogmore Cottage.
Is She Spending Unwisely
Not The First Time She Spends Big
It’s not the first time that Meghan Markle has shocked the public with her ability to spend money. Rumors have it that Meghan spent over $400,000 on the luxurious baby shower for Archie in New York. And who can forget the staggering $1 million she spent on her Givenchy-laden closet. In response to her money-spending, talk-show host Piers Morgan compared Meghan to the infamous Marie Antoinette, showing similarities in the two women’s extravagant manners. Morgan said, “She can’t have her cake and eat it.”
Not The First Time She Spends Big
Why Kate and Not Meghan?
Rumors began to fly at the Royal Ascot that Kate appeared with the Queen, but there was no Meghan in sight. Many fans at first thought that the Queen and the Duchess of Sussex were on shaky ground, but it turns out the reason is quite benign. Meghan was still on maternity leave, which grants her a full six months off of royal duties. With that rumor solved, would Meghan miss any other visits in which her presence was expected?
Why Kate And Not Meghan
No More Wimbledon
A very senior royal source reported that the reason only Kate and William will be attending Wimbledon is due to a very serious falling out between William and Harry. In fact, the source reported that at last year’s tournament, the two couples were no longer even on speaking terms. The difficult relationship between William and Kate and Harry and Meghan proves hard to hide when their presence in public in so closely watched and recorded.
No More Wimbledon
Telling All in a Documentary
If there is one thing the Queen requires, it is to keep family matters private. As public figures, royal have an intense amount of public pressure to deal with, and personal family drama does nothing to bolster their image in the world. Recently, Harry and Meghan took part in a documentary entitled, Harry and Meghan: An African Journey. The two were shockingly candid about how their royal life has affected their emotional wellbeing and mental states. In fact, Meghan was shockingly forthcoming about her experiences…
Telling All In A Documentary
She’s Not Ok
In the documentary, Meghan is asked how she is adjusting to royal life and her new role as a newlywed. Her response seems to imply that her new royal family has not been so attentive to her wellbeing. Meghan stated, “As a woman, it’s a lot,” she said. “Thank you for asking, because not many people have asked if I’m OK. But it’s a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes.” While it is nice to see a royal showing some vulnerability, we have a hard time imagining the Queen was happy with this break in royal composure.
She’s Not Ok
Narrowly Avoiding Tragedy
Sadly, tragedy seems to follow the British royal family. Anyone who has followed Harry or William’s lives can easily know what a massive trauma it was for the two young boys to lose their mother, Princess Diana. It must have been especially stressful then when an illegal drone narrowly missed Harry and Meghan’s private jet as it was landing in an airport. Thankfully, this disaster was narrowly avoided.
Narrowly Avoiding Tragedy
Meghan’s Legal Battles
Royal family members are not immune to legal issues, so Meghan is certainly not the first. She did, however, make quite the splash when she decided to sue the Mail on Sunday after the publication published a private letter between Meghan and her father, Thomas Markle. Meghan has set her sights on getting justice from this newspaper’s wrongdoing, and there’s no backing down now.
Meghan’s Legal Battles
Christmas alone
Just before their announcement to step down from the royal family, Harry and Meghan skipped out on Christmas with the Queen. This move was rather unheard of. The couple opted for an intimate family holiday in their private home on Vancouver Island, instead of with Harry’s family Sandringham. The two failed to make any public appearances during that time as well. This was certainly the first hint that the couple was seeking to distance themselves.
Christmas Alone
Unfair Treatment in the Media
It is no secret that the media’s treatment of Meghan has been nothing short of cruel. The situation got so dire that Prince Harry spoke out against the media in an attempt to protect his wife. He stated, “I’ve seen what happens when someone I love is commoditized to the point that they are no longer treated or seen as a real person,” he then continued. “I lost my mother, and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces.” It is touching to see Harry stick up for his wife. He clearly loves her very deeply.
Unfair Treatment In The Media
Coming
In an effort to control the narrative around them and to escape such negative press coverage, Harry and Meghan have started their own media section on their new website. What does this mean? Well, it is actually quite a big step. Until now, Harry and Meghan participated in the royal PR and media plan, which distributed important news, events, and photos to various publications. With the launch of their own media, however, Harry and Meghan are now independent. They are reportedly hiring young reporters to bring a fresh perspective to things.
Coming
The Activist Actress
Another benefit of Harry and Meghan taking a step back from the royal spotlight is that the two will now have a chance to focus on whatever causes they feel are important to them. No longer do they need pre-approved charities to support the couple and pick and choose what they want to advocate for. Meghan has been outspoken about her support for people’s personal mental health, so we are all waiting for when she will announce a new initiative relating to that.
The Activist Actress
What is to Become of Archie?
Harry and Meghan will need to find out how they can raise Archie in a manner that will be a balance of both private and public life. The two said they want to raise him, “with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born” while also giving them the space they need to work on building a future. We’ll have to wait and see what baby Archie thinks of his parents move- after all, he could have been a working member of the royal family!
What Is To Become Of Archie
Meghan as a Disney Princess
Soon after stepping down from their royal duties, it became clear that the royal family, specifically the Queen, was not given notice of the couple’s intentions. This certainly signifies a serious rift in communication. Further, right after their announcement, it became known that Meghan signed on to do a deal with Disney and is going back to her acting roots (something forbidden in the royal family). In exchange for her participation in the project, Disney will make a sizable donation to Elephants Without Borders, a conservation charity that Meghan supports.
Meghan As A Disney Princess
A Disney Couple Come True
Meghan’s announcement of her Disney project was not the first time the couple was involved with the organization. In 2019, Prince Harry and Meghan attended the European premiere of the new Lion King movie. Disney also reportedly gifted the royal couple a Winnie-The-Pooh watercolor to the young couple as a gift to celebrate the birth of Archie. Perhaps these two are in for a long and lucrative relationship with Disney.
A Disney Couple Come True
They Need New Jobs
Although Harry and Meghan plan to continue to support their charities, their stepping down from royal life means they will need a new way to fund their extravagant lifestyle. Private planes, designer wardrobes, and $400,000 baby showers do not buy themselves after all. It will be very interesting to see how the new couple navigates the world of work- a first for Prince Harry.
They Need New Jobs
of Royals Stepping Down
The Queen’s uncle chose to forgo his royal title in order to marry the woman he loved. And after her divorce, Princess Diana also decided to step down from her royal duties. That being said, Harry and Meghan are the first to attempt to live a half-royal life. They want to honor and respect Harry’s background and duties while building a life for themselves. The question remains- can this really be done?
Of Royals Stepping Down
Will They Be Happily Ever After?
It was clear by Buckingham Palace’s statement on Meghan and Harry’s departure that the news had come as a surprise to them. The official statement said, “Discussions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage. We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take some time to work through.” Perhaps Meghan and Harry made an impulsive decision? Will this lead them to happily ever after- or happily never after?
Will They Be Happily Ever After