Meghan Markle’s time as a working royal continues to be a source of shocking revelations, shedding light on the inner workings of the British monarchy and its priorities. Her interview with Oprah Winfrey, combined with insights from Prince Harry’s Netflix docuseries, paints a vivid picture of a family and institution willing to shield some members at the expense of others.
One of Meghan’s most stinging memories is how the palace handled public narratives. When tabloids accused Meghan of making Kate Middleton cry, the monarchy’s famous “never complain, never explain” approach was weaponized by omission. The palace remained silent, allowing the story to fester and harm Meghan’s reputation. She and Harry felt abandoned, as Meghan pointed out, “They weren’t willing to tell the truth to protect me and my husband.”
The hypocrisy became glaring when Prince William’s reputation was at stake. After rumors emerged that he had bullied Meghan and Harry into stepping back from royal duties, the palace quickly issued a joint statement denying the allegations. The kicker? Harry wasn’t even informed about the statement before it hit the tabloids. Reflecting on the incident, Harry remarked, “They were happy to lie to protect my brother, but for three years, they were never willing to tell the truth to protect us.” This stark contrast in treatment highlighted the preferential defense afforded to the future king.
The emotional toll of these experiences was compounded by Meghan’s explosive accusation during the Oprah interview about the family’s alleged concerns over how dark their son Archie’s skin might be. Buckingham Palace’s dismissive response—”recollections may vary”—failed to address the seriousness of the claim, further straining relationships within the family.
Perhaps most damning was the lack of support Meghan received during her struggles with mental health. Despite reaching out for help, she was denied access to professional care. Yet when it came to preserving William’s image, the palace sprang into action. For Meghan and Harry, this unequal treatment became unbearable, leading them to leave the royal fold in favor of a new life in California.
At its core, their story underscores a painful reality: the monarchy prioritizes its image over the well-being of its members. For Meghan, the memories of favoritism, neglect, and systemic insensitivity serve as a reminder of why she and Harry chose self-preservation over loyalty to an institution unwilling to protect them.