Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, faced criticism for her expectations within the royal family regarding her freedom to express her views and choose her royal endeavors.
Before officially joining the royal family in 2018, Markle was vocal about her advocacy for female empowerment and education.
While members of the royal family do engage in charitable work, they typically refrain from delving into political matters.
Royal expert Amanda Plittle labeled Markle as naive for anticipating she could openly discuss her opinions, going against long-standing royal protocols.
During an interview on BBC’s The Prince’s and The Press, Plittle highlighted Markle’s belief that she would have autonomy in shaping her royal career.
However, she emphasized that royal family members are accustomed to a more subdued role compared to private citizens when it comes to expressing their views.
BBC host Amol Rajan acknowledged Markle’s refreshing approach but cautioned against an American actress using her royal status to push personal agendas, calling for humility instead of overconfidence.
Plittle further criticized Markle’s perceived naivety, stating that it was unrealistic for an intelligent woman to expect unrestricted freedom of speech upon joining the royal family.
Relationship expert Neil Wilkie echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Markle’s outspoken nature clashed with the traditional expectations of the royal family and courtiers.
Wilkie noted a sense of exclusion towards Markle due to her outspokenness, leading to her being marginalized within royal circles.
Since stepping back from her official royal duties, Markle has reclaimed control over her voice and actively supports causes close to her heart.
In a recent BBC documentary segment focusing on the period from her wedding to Prince Harry to their decision to step back as senior royals, insights were shared about their experiences, including a tour to South Africa.
Reports indicated Prince Harry’s strained relationship with the media during this time, with observations of his reluctance to engage with journalists and cameras.
The release of the second part of the documentary coincided with reports of potential legal action by the royal family against the BBC over allegations of biased reporting and leaked negative stories about Meghan Markle.
Concerns were raised about the accuracy and impartiality of such claims, prompting Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and Clarence House to emphasize the importance of responsible journalism in a joint statement featured at the end of the documentary.
They expressed disappointment in unfounded claims gaining credibility and stressed the need for a balanced and truthful media representation.