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Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is reportedly facing fresh criticism and backlash from within the royal family and the British establishment according to sources.
Ever since stepping away from royal duties and moving to California with her husband Prince Harry and son Archie in 2020, Meghan's relationship with the royals and UK press has remained fractious. A new report now suggests tensions are rising once more.
The Sun newspaper cited unnamed palace insiders who claim there is "mounting frustration" regarding ongoing leaks and interviews from the Sussexes' camp in the US where they have been settling into their new life. Several high profile media appearances and statements over the past year appear to have irked senior royal figures.
Most recently, Meghan's interview with The Cut magazine in late August raised eyebrows for various comments made about her time as a working royal, life at home with Harry and Archie, as well as her future political ambitions. She suggested the royal family failed to protect her from negative media coverage despite "ruthless" attempts to portray her in an unfavourable light.
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However, Palace sources argue the interview and continued public profile contradicts Harry and Meghan's claim that they left Britain to seek more privacy. One Palace source told The Sun "Enough is enough. It is not healthy or helpful for anyone."
Many in royal circles were also unimpressed with Meghan's comments criticizing the US Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe vs Wade. As non-working royals, the Sussexes are expected to remain politically neutral yet Meghan said the ruling was "a blueprint for reversing rights." She warned women could now "lose access to reproductive health care," a heated topic in American politics.
Royal insiders suggested it was naive of the Sussexes to think they could maintain a public platform without any scrutiny or criticism. The couple continue to argue they are entitled to speak freely as private citizens now, although their familial links to the Crown mean the boundary between private life and representing the monarchy remains blurred.
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There is also ongoing frustration regarding Harry's forthcoming tell-all memoir due for release later this year by Penguin Random House. The contents have caused significant trepidation within Buckingham Palace given Harry's past criticism of his family and accusations made during his and Meghan's bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021.
The Palace initially adopted a policy of ignoring the ongoing public attacks and allegations, but sources say the British establishment is getting increasingly weary. This fresh criticism over perceived hypocrisy and mixed messages threatens to reignite hostilities just as the royal family had hoped to move on.
However, supporters of Meghan argue much of the criticism is an unfair double standard and rooted in misogyny and racism. In America especially, many perceive Meghan as a trailblazing figure speaking out against injustice. Public sympathy remains strong for the couple's claims they were hounded by an intrusive British media seeking to undermine the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
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Royal commentators like Omid Scobie also point out the monarchy itself remains embroiled in controversy, with Prince Andrew's links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein still casting a serious shadow. The line of succession and future of the royal family itself is uncertain as the Queen approaches her centennial, raising questions about if modernization and diversity will prevail.
Against this complex dynamic, any comments made by Harry and Meghan on political issues or their royal experiences will inevitably face concerted pushback from conservative figures determined to reassert a strict separation of celebrity lifestyles from constitutional monarchy. Ultimately the Sussexes seem unable to fully satisfy demands for privacy while also maintaining a high-profile public role in America.
Tensions have also been inflamed by the separate announcement Prince William and Kate will undertake their first major US visit in 8 years this December, taking part in the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony in Boston. The trip poses an implicit reminder of the Cambridges' elevated royal status compared to Harry and Meghan now. It's an open secret rivalry exists between the brothers despite public reconciliation.
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However for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, calls from the Palace to remain politically neutral or keep a lower profile in celebrity circles would go against their stated goal of using their platform to further progressive causes. Their numerous charitable ventures focused on racial justice, gender equity and mental health have been warmly received in many circles.
Supporters feel banning the couple from public life or comments would be an outrageous demand from an antiquated institution unwilling to embrace necessary change. For Harry especially, with a well documented trauma from his mother's death in the Paris car crash while being chased by paparazzi, relinquishing all privacy and autonomy would be psychologically damaging.
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