The dark side of Meghan Markle

The spotlight has once again shifted onto Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, as she finds herself at the epicenter of the British tabloids’ scrutiny. Since her arrival in the United Kingdom, the media knives have been out for this American actress who dared to entwine her fate with Prince Harry’s. But amidst the sensational headlines and relentless criticism, one must wonder: Is there any substance to these accusations?

So let’s delve into Meghan’s supposed transgressions, examine her alleged missteps, and assess her standing within the British Royal Family. As our Worst Royals series progresses, it’s time to weigh Meghan’s actions against those of her royal counterparts.

1. Abandoned her rescue dog: Meghan’s decision to leave her rescue dog, Bogart, behind when she relocated to the United Kingdom ignited criticism. Despite adopting Bogart in 2012, she was compelled to part ways with him due to his alleged “aggressive” behavior towards Prince Harry. While such pet relocations aren’t uncommon during overseas moves, it’s nonetheless a saddening episode.
2. Deviation from dress protocol: Meghan’s fashion choices, particularly her penchant for going bare-legged during official engagements, raised eyebrows among royal experts. Despite Queen Elizabeth II’s supposed disapproval of this breach of dress protocol, Meghan’s attire became a subject of scrutiny, with even the shade of her pantyhose scrutinized.
3. Announced her pregnancy at Princess Eugenie’s wedding: The timing of Meghan and Harry’s pregnancy announcement, coinciding with Princess Eugenie’s wedding, sparked controversy. While some defended the couple’s decision as practical, others criticized it as a breach of wedding etiquette.
4. Estrangement from her father: Meghan’s strained relationship with her father, Thomas Markle, escalated following his tabloid exploits and subsequent absence from her wedding. Their public feud and Thomas’s claims of being “frozen out” have soured their once-close bond.
5. “Megxit”: Meghan and Harry’s departure from their royal duties, dubbed “Megxit,” fueled speculation about Meghan’s influence on Harry’s decision. While some blame Meghan for the couple’s departure, others attribute it to Harry’s disillusionment with the royal family’s treatment.
6. Accusations of bullying staff: Allegations of Meghan’s bullying behavior towards royal staff surfaced in 2021, prompting an investigation by Buckingham Palace. While the report’s conclusions remain undisclosed, Meghan’s spokesperson dismissed the allegations as a smear campaign.
7. Public airing of grievances: Meghan and Harry’s candid revelations during their interview with Oprah Winfrey drew mixed reactions. While some criticized the couple for airing their grievances publicly, others lauded them for shedding light on their experiences.
8. Climate activism vs. private jet use: Meghan and Harry’s advocacy for climate change clashed with their use of private jets, prompting accusations of hypocrisy. Despite their claims of carbon offsetting, their preference for private travel sparked condemnation.

In conclusion, Meghan’s alleged wrongdoings pale in comparison to those of other members of the royal family, earning her the title of the “least worst royal” in our assessment. While she may have her flaws, the extent of the media’s vilification of Meghan remains open to interpretation. Ultimately, Meghan’s journey within the royal fold continues to captivate audiences, leaving us to ponder the underlying biases that fuel the tabloid frenzy.