The former palace worker cited an example of the rule that required members of the royal family at Kensington Palace to inform in advance about their departures and destinations. This protocol serves both security purposes and aims to prevent situations where a senior royal is overshadowed by a more junior member leaving at the same time.
Reportedly, Meghan regarded this rule as nonsensical, although the former palace worker emphasized its absolute importance. The royal source quoted in the book remarked, "I don't think in the whole of history there was ever a greater divide between what someone expected when they became a member of the royal family and what they discovered it was really like." It was clear that Meghan was deeply disappointed by these restrictions.
The source further stated that Meghan was not alone in her discontent. They noted that Prince Charles shared many of Meghan's viewpoints, finding much of the protocol to be unnecessary. However, changing such long-standing traditions proved to be challenging. On the other hand, Prince William embraced the protocol, which explains why Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte possess a more traditional and conventional appearance reminiscent of the 1950s.
The expert in the book claimed that Meghan desired a different approach for her children, seeking the freedom to express herself, voice her opinions, and have the ability to go where she pleased—an American sense of freedom. The royal family members are bound by strict protocols on a daily basis. For instance, the monarch and the heirs to the throne are prohibited from traveling together to avoid putting their lives at simultaneous risk and to ensure the continuity of the monarchy.
While there is no official rule regarding royal heirs traveling together, it ultimately rests with the monarch's decision. In the past, there have been instances where Prince William and Prince George have broken this rule. However, a spokesperson for the royal family clarified that the final say lies with the monarch.
Critics have suggested that Meghan's desire to upstage other royal family members, particularly Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, fueled her resistance to announcing her destination. However, adhering to strict protocols is a common knowledge expectation within the royal family. The former palace worker raises questions about Meghan's intentions and the necessity of her actions. The role of her royal protection officer and the need for awareness among the security team are also highlighted.
It is evident that Meghan failed to grasp the standards of good manners and polite behavior expected from a member of the royal family. While she may have intended to appear modern and rebellious, her actions often came across as rude and entitled.
The book, "Gilded Youth," also touches upon Megan's challenges in adapting to royal life. A staff member at Kensington Palace, quoted in the book, reveals that Meghan felt a subtle condescension from "The Firm" since she was not born into the royal family. She despised the constraints and rules imposed upon her, harboring a dissatisfaction with being seen as a second-rate princess in comparison to Catherine Middleton. It was suggested that Meghan had expected to live in Windsor Castle but was instead given Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace.
Ultimately, the book provides insights into Meghan Markle's difficulties with certain aspects of royal life, shedding light on her frustrations and the contrasting expectations she held.
Reflecting on Meghan Markle's experience within the royal family, it becomes apparent that the gap between her expectations and the reality she faced was unprecedented in history. According to a staff member quoted by Tom Quinn in his book, there was profound disappointment on Meghan's part. The staffer noted that she had always been a positive and driven individual, accustomed to shaping her own destiny. However, upon entering the institution, she found herself unable to exert influence and was assigned a role that offered no room for change.
Quinn's book also features insights from another staffer at Kensington Palace who had a strong recollection of Meghan. Describing her as a genuinely pleasant person with a sunny disposition, the staffer highlighted how Meghan was enthralled by the global fame that came with being a princess. However, she was taken aback by the rigid palace protocols and the reality that she would never hold the primary position in the pecking order.
Meghan's challenges with the strict royal protocols are not unique, echoing the experiences of her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. Diana was known for breaking numerous royal protocols during her time as an official royal, defying conventions in areas such as fashion, political discussions, and displaying vulnerability to the public.
For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of British royal protocols, they can be incredibly stringent. Requirements such as wearing natural makeup, always carrying a purse (even if empty), abstaining from playing Monopoly, avoiding shellfish, and concluding meals once the ruling monarch finishes, are just the tip of the iceberg, as reported by Marie Claire.
Considering the myriad of regulations, it is understandable why Meghan Markle, along with her husband Prince Harry, reportedly found frustration within the system. When Meghan officially joined the royal family in 2018, the world was captivated by the Hollywood starlet who had won Prince Harry's heart. However, Meghan's journey as the Duchess of Sussex revealed a multifaceted persona, stretching from her humble beginnings in Los Angeles's valley, her ascent through Hollywood, to her breakout role on the series Suits.
