Trevor Noah’s Stinging Remark on Meghan Markle: “RF, They’re Like the Kardashians with One Beheading”

In January 2020, Trevor Noah, host of The Daily Show, delivered a biting critique of the British royal family’s handling of Meghan Markle, coining a comparison that would reverberate across media platforms. Noah’s comment, “The British royal family, they’re like the Kardashians with an occasional beheading,” was a stark reflection of his view on the treatment Markle received and the public’s reaction to it.

Noah’s remark is emblematic of the intense scrutiny and often harsh criticism that Markle faced from both the media and public during her time as a senior royal. By comparing the royal family to the Kardashians, Noah highlighted what he perceived as the royal family’s penchant for drama and sensationalism, albeit with a darker, more severe edge. The reference to “one beheading” was a provocative metaphor, alluding to the historical executions associated with the British monarchy and underscoring the gravity of the situation as Markle experienced it.

Markle’s journey, often dubbed ‘Megxit,’ was characterized by relentless media scrutiny and criticism, particularly surrounding her race and status as an American in the royal family. The comparison to the Kardashians—who are known for their high-profile public lives and controversies—suggested that while the royal family might appear glamorous, their handling of Markle was deeply flawed and problematic. Noah’s comment encapsulated a sentiment that many observers shared: the monarchy’s inability to adapt and address the evolving expectations and challenges of modern royal life.

This scathing critique resonated with the broader discourse on Markle’s treatment. Oprah Winfrey’s subsequent interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle further illuminated the gravity of their experiences. Harry’s refusal to disclose the identity of a royal family member who expressed concerns about their unborn child’s skin color was a particularly revealing moment. The fact that he clarified it was not his grandmother or grandfather emphasized the generational divide and the complexities within the royal institution.

Noah’s comment also highlights a crucial aspect of the public’s reaction to ‘Megxit’: the complex interplay between media portrayal and personal experience. While the Kardashians are often criticized for their self-made controversies, Noah’s comparison to the royal family underscores how deeply entrenched and problematic the issues of race and institutional rigidity can be.

In essence, Trevor Noah’s remark about the British royal family not only serves as a sharp critique of how Meghan Markle was treated but also reflects broader concerns about institutional racism and the monarchy’s relevance in contemporary society. His comparison illuminates the dissonance between the royal family’s public facade and the often harsh realities faced by individuals within it. The impact of his statement resonates as a call to address these issues with the seriousness they deserve.