Harry CHOKE: When Meghan Markle Joined the Royal Family – No One Expected It to End This Way

When Meghan Markle joined the British Royal Family in 2018, her marriage to Prince Harry at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, was celebrated as a modern fairy tale. The union promised a fresh, contemporary era for the monarchy. However, nearly five years later, the couple’s departure from royal duties and their move to California has drastically reshaped their roles and public perception, marking an unexpected and tumultuous chapter in royal history.

 

Several factors contributed to Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from their royal duties, but some speculate that the Queen Mother’s “well-worn mantra” played a significant role. Meghan found it challenging to adapt to the royal expectation of silence and restraint, which conflicted with her previous lifestyle where she could freely express her opinions and respond to public scrutiny.

Before her marriage, Meghan was accustomed to using her platform, including her lifestyle blog The Tig, to voice her thoughts on various issues, including politics. However, the royal family adheres to a strict protocol of neutrality and discretion, epitomized by the Queen Mother’s famous advice: “Never complain, never explain.” This directive meant that Meghan had to remain silent in the face of criticism, a stark contrast to her previous experiences in the public eye.

 

Royal expert Victoria Arbiter noted that the Queen Mother’s mantra might have created difficulties for Meghan. Speaking in 2019, Arbiter commented, “It’s very difficult when you come from a celebrity background where a publicist can stand up for you or come out and say ‘no, that report is categorically untrue.’ But, generally speaking, members of the public follow the Queen Mother’s well-worn mantra: ‘Never complain, never explain.’ And so you have to sit back while the world’s media and social media just comment.”

The strain of these expectations was evident in Meghan and Harry’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, where they candidly discussed the challenges and allegations they faced within the royal family. Their Netflix docu-series and Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” further highlighted the couple’s grievances and provided a deeper look into the complexities of their royal experiences.

 

The Queen Mother, Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon, was a significant figure in the royal family, known for her influence and strong principles. Her relationship with her great-grandchildren, particularly William and Harry, also reflected her preferences. Journalist Richard Kay revealed in the Channel 5 documentary “Prince Harry: The Troubled Prince” that the Queen Mother often favored William, inviting him for tea and seating him prominently at gatherings, while Harry was frequently overlooked. However, in an unexpected twist, Harry was reportedly left more money than William in her will. This gesture was not due to favoritism but rather an acknowledgment that William, as the future king, would have ample financial support, prompting the Queen Mother to compensate Harry more generously.

Despite this, a Forbes report published in February 2020 contradicted earlier claims, stating that Harry did not receive any inheritance from his great-grandmother. This discrepancy adds another layer to the complex financial and personal dynamics within the royal family.

 

Ultimately, the story of Meghan Markle’s entry into and exit from the royal family underscores the clash between modern individuality and traditional expectations. The couple’s departure and subsequent revelations have sparked ongoing debates about the monarchy’s role in contemporary society and the balance between duty and personal freedom. As Meghan and Harry navigate their new lives in California, their journey serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and sacrifices inherent in life within the royal family.