Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has reportedly been seeking clarity from King Charles about the "different rules" applied to her and Prince Harry compared to other members of the royal family. This inquiry emerges in the wake of a series of highly publicized and controversial projects the couple has undertaken since stepping down as senior members of the royal family in 2020.
Royal expert and commentator Neil Sean has highlighted that Markle is frustrated over the scrutiny she and Harry face for their public engagements, especially when compared to the seemingly lenient treatment of other royals like Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. "The thing that really riles Meghan is that Fergie pops up on things like the ITV daytime show 'This Morning,' 'Loose Women' and billing herself as the Duchess of York, selling books and possibly doing adverts all under the Royal Family," Sean stated. "Meghan and Harry seemingly don't understand why it's a different rule for her."
The Sussexes, who have been candid about their struggles within the royal establishment through various media projects, including their Netflix docuseries "Harry & Meghan," Harry's memoir "Spare," and their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, have faced significant backlash for sharing private details of their lives and relationships with royal family members. Despite this, there's speculation about a potential return to the royal fold, with royal biographer Tom Quinn suggesting that it might be possible under certain conditions.
Markle's attempt to arrange a meeting with King Charles to discuss her grievances has further propelled discussions about the monarchy's transparency and adaptability. Sean reports that Markle has sent a letter to the King expressing her desire for a one-on-one meeting to explain the challenges she's faced since joining the British monarchy. However, it remains unclear if such a meeting will occur or if it will lead to any changes within the royal protocol.
As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to navigate their life outside the traditional royal path, their actions and the ensuing public reactions have ignited debates about the role and expectations of modern royalty. This is especially pertinent as the couple still actively uses their royal styles and titles while pursuing independent projects, a point of contention for many observers.
Recent developments have also hinted at potential shifts in the couple's professional trajectory. PR expert Mark Borkowski predicts that 2024 will be a "seismic" year for Meghan and Harry, suggesting it could either mark a recovery and new direction for their brand or lead to its undoing. Their recent "Hollywood freeze-out" and the loss of their Spotify contract have fueled these speculations, indicating a possible decline in their once soaring popularity.
As more documents and revelations come to light, the public and the monarchy alike are left to ponder the complexities of royal life in the modern age and the balance between public duty, personal freedom, and media scrutiny.
