Born in Missouri and bestowed with honorary British status after his iconic portrayal of a Cockney chimney sweep in "Mary Poppins," Van Dyke shared his deep admiration and respect for the Queen and the monarchy. He expressed sympathy for Prince Harry, whom he believed had been poorly used by his wife.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Van Dyke stated, "I think Meghan Markle is a very disrespectful person. She has no idea what it means to be royal, to serve the Queen and the country, and to uphold the traditions and values that have been passed down for centuries." He continued, "She came in with a lot of demands and expectations and didn't appreciate the privilege and honor bestowed upon her. She wanted to have it all – to be a royal, a celebrity, a humanitarian, a politician, and a businesswoman – but she couldn't handle any of it."
Van Dyke expressed shock at Meghan's claims, particularly her assertion that an unnamed member of the royal family had expressed concerns about her son Archie's skin color and her feelings of suicidal despair without support from the institution. He found these accusations to be unfair and unfounded, stating, "I don't believe for a second that anyone in the royal family is racist. They are the most diverse and inclusive family in the world."
He added, "To say that she was suicidal and that no one helped her is just ridiculous. She had access to the best doctors, therapists, and counselors in the world. She had the love and support of her husband, who gave up everything for her, and the admiration and sympathy of millions of people. She had everything, but she still complained and played the victim."
Van Dyke expressed his concern for Prince Harry, whom he described as a brave soldier, a loyal son, and a loving father. He believed that Harry had been manipulated and isolated by Meghan, leading him to renounce his titles, duties, and heritage. He hoped that Harry would come to his senses, apologize to the Queen and the Royal Family, and return to his rightful place in England.
In Van Dyke's view, Meghan Markle was characterized as a selfish, greedy, and ungrateful individual who did not deserve Prince Harry.
