Meghan Markle’s departure from the British Royal Family in early 2020, alongside her husband Prince Harry, has been a topic of widespread discussion and speculation. A former royal correspondent has shed light on the underlying reasons behind her decision, pointing to two critical aspects that the Royal Family could never fulfil for Meghan.
The Departure from Royal Duties
In January 2020, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced their decision to step down as senior members of the Royal Family. This move, often referred to as “Megxit,” marked a significant shift in the dynamics of the monarchy and prompted numerous discussions about the couple’s motives and future endeavours.
Jennie Bond’s Perspective
Jennie Bond, a former BBC royal correspondent, provided her insights into Meghan Markle’s experience within the Royal Family. Speaking to OK! Magazine, Bond emphasised that Meghan’s desire for control over her life and a prominent place in the limelight were in direct conflict with the constraints of royal life.
“I have always held the view that Meghan failed to understand that she would never be the top dog in the Royal Family… or even the deputy top dog,” Bond explained. “There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to be in complete control and charge of your life. There’s nothing wrong with seeking the limelight. It’s just that the Royal Family was the wrong vehicle for her ambitions.”
The Quest for Autonomy and Spotlight
Meghan Markle, an independent woman with a successful career in Hollywood before her marriage to Prince Harry, found it challenging to adapt to the structured and hierarchical environment of the Royal Family. Bond highlighted that Meghan’s aspirations for autonomy and recognition were incompatible with the roles and expectations placed upon her as a member of the Firm.
Now, having stepped away from royal duties, Meghan has the freedom to pursue projects that align with her interests and values. Bond noted that Meghan’s recent endeavours, including her website and other initiatives, allow her to exercise full control and creativity.
Contrasting Opinions
Not everyone shares Bond’s perspective on Meghan’s suitability for royal life. Jane Barr, writing in the From Berkshire to Buckingham newsletter, argued that Meghan’s ambitions and personality were not conducive to the quieter, more reserved roles occupied by some of Harry’s cousins, such as Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
“She [Meghan] would not have been happy with the ultimately quiet or truly independent/non-royal lives that William and Harry’s cousins actually live,” Barr wrote. “Looking back to Megxit, Harry was not just the grandson of the Queen, the same relationship all his cousins had to the sovereign, he was the son of the future King.”
The Preeminence of William and Harry
Barr further emphasised that both William and Harry, by virtue of their birth, occupied prominent positions within the Royal Family from the outset. This preeminence, coupled with the expectations and responsibilities that came with it, placed them in a different category compared to their cousins.
“William and Harry were – from birth – preeminent royals, while their cousins, although celebrated, surely, began as secondary royals and only continued to fade as the years went by,” Barr added. “Harry seems so bitter about being the spare, but he has always been quite senior to his cousins, and treated accordingly. Meghan wanted to take her HRH and her title and be a superstar in her own sphere on the international stage.”
New Beginnings for the Sussexes
Since their departure from royal duties, Meghan and Harry have embarked on various new projects that reflect their personal interests and values. This year alone, Meghan has secured a podcast deal with Lemonada Media and launched her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. These ventures signify a fresh chapter for the couple, allowing them to carve out their unique path away from the confines of royal life.
