Initial Reactions
When the news broke that Prince Harry was dating Meghan Markle, the British media immediately went into a frenzy. Some outlets praised her for her beauty, talent, and humanitarian work, while others criticized her for being a divorced, older actress who was not "royal material." The fact that Meghan was biracial and had a black mother was also a topic of discussion, with some commentators making racist comments and others celebrating her as a symbol of diversity.
As Meghan and Harry's relationship progressed, the media scrutiny intensified. There were articles speculating about Meghan's family background, her career ambitions, and even her political views. Some stories were blatantly false or exaggerated, such as claims that Meghan made Kate Middleton cry during a dress fitting or that she demanded certain luxury items for her wedding.
Meghan's Role in the Royal Family
After Meghan and Harry's wedding in May 2018, Meghan officially became a member of the royal family. She was given the title of Duchess of Sussex and began carrying out official engagements and representing the royal family at various events. However, Meghan's approach to her role was quite different from other royal wives.
Rather than simply smiling and waving, Meghan was vocal about her passions and interests, particularly in the areas of gender equality, mental health, and animal welfare. She launched her own charitable foundation, the Sussex Royal Foundation, and used her platform to raise awareness of issues close to her heart. She also continued to pursue her acting career, narrating a Disney documentary and guest-editing an issue of British Vogue.
Media Coverage of Meghan
The media coverage of Meghan Markle since she joined the royal family has been a contentious issue. While some journalists and publications have been supportive of her, many have been highly critical or downright hostile. Meghan has been subjected to intense scrutiny of her every move, from her fashion choices to her body language to her relationships with other members of the royal family.
Some of the negative coverage has been blatantly racist or sexist, with headlines and articles using coded language to criticize Meghan's behavior or appearance. There have also been instances where the media has crossed ethical lines, such as publishing private letters that Meghan wrote to her father or invading her privacy by publishing photos of her home.
Meghan's Impact on the Royal Family
Meghan Markle's arrival in the royal family has had a significant impact on the institution itself. Her outspokenness and willingness to challenge tradition have caused tension within the family and raised questions about the relevance of the monarchy in modern society. Her popularity and charisma have also attracted a new and diverse audience to the royal family, particularly in the United States.
However, Meghan's departure from the royal family in early 2020 was a major blow to the institution. Her and Harry's decision to step back from their roles as senior royals, move to North America, and pursue financial independence was seen as a major challenge to the monarchy's stability and reputation. The subsequent media coverage of their departure was also highly critical, with Meghan once again being portrayed as a disruptive influence.
Meghan Markle's tenure in the royal family has been marked by controversy, criticism, and a lot of media attention. Her approach to her role as a royal was certainly unconventional, but it was also refreshing to many people who appreciated her authenticity and dedication to important causes. Despite the challenges and negativity she faced, Meghan remained steadfast in her beliefs and continued to use her platform for good.
The British reaction to Meghan Markle has been mixed, to say the least. While many people admired her and supported her causes, others were skeptical of her and saw her as a threat to tradition and the monarchy itself. The media coverage of Meghan was also a major factor in shaping public opinion, with some outlets portraying her as a hero and others as a villain.
Ultimately, the legacy of Meghan Markle's time in the royal family will be debated for years to come. However, one thing is clear: she has left a lasting impact on the institution and the British public. Whether that impact is positive or negative remains to be seen, but it is undeniable that Meghan Markle has been a transformative figure in the history of the royal family.
