As the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh embark on a royal visit to Malta to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence, royal watchers can’t help but recall Meghan Markle’s unexpected ties to this Mediterranean gem. Her claims about her Maltese ancestry have come under scrutiny, especially in light of Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie’s current visit.
In a 2015 interview on *The Rachael Ray Show*, Meghan Markle expressed her excitement about visiting Malta, stating, “My great-great-great-grandmother is from Malta. I’ve never been, so I’m going with a genealogist.” At that time, Meghan was eager to explore the island and delve into her family roots. Her trip included a stay at a luxury hotel, a visit to a vineyard, and even a local photo shoot arranged by the tourist board. Additionally, she was reportedly commissioned to write an article about her experiences for *Elle Magazine*.
On her blog, *The Tig*, Meghan elaborated on her fascination with Malta, saying, “When asked to go to Malta to not only discover the beautiful island but also the land from which my great-grandmother hailed, I said yes without hesitation. It’s Malta—a beautiful jewel of an island dotted in the Mediterranean between Sicily, Tunisia, and Libya.”
However, subsequent genealogical investigations revealed a far less significant connection than Meghan initially portrayed. Her great-great-grandmother, Mary Bird, had only a transient link to Malta, having lived there briefly during the mid-19th century before relocating to Canada. This revelation suggests that Meghan’s assertion about her trip being a personal journey to reconnect with her Maltese heritage was somewhat embellished, raising questions about the authenticity of her claims.
Meanwhile, Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie’s current visit to Malta stands in stark contrast to Meghan’s narrative. Their trip, marked by engagements that highlight Malta’s rich history and enduring ties with the UK, celebrates the very heritage that Meghan once claimed to explore. As they arrive in Malta, the couple acknowledges the significant role the country has played in the royal family’s history—most notably, Malta is where the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip spent time as newlyweds, making this visit particularly poignant.
The royal couple commenced their itinerary by officially opening the Submariners’ Walkway in Valletta, a nod to Malta’s maritime history. Duchess Sophie dazzled in a vibrant orange floral midi skirt paired with a chic white blouse, embodying the elegance expected at royal engagements. Their packed itinerary includes meaningful activities that underscore the shared heritage between Malta and the UK, transforming the visit from a ceremonial obligation into a celebration of lasting connections.
On October 7th, Buckingham Palace announced their four-day trip to Malta, detailing the significance of the visit. The British High Commission for Malta provided updates via social media, showcasing the couple’s warm reception by President Miriam Spiteri Debono at the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta. They were also greeted by Prime Minister Robert Abela and his wife Lydia, further highlighting the importance of this royal visit.
As the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh immerse themselves in Malta’s culture and history, the contrast with Meghan Markle’s earlier claims becomes increasingly striking. While they engage in authentic celebrations of heritage, Meghan’s narrative appears more exaggerated. This juxtaposition raises important discussions about the meaning of heritage, authenticity, and how personal stories can be framed in the public eye.
The current royal visit to Malta by Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie not only celebrates the island’s rich history but also sheds light on the discrepancies in Meghan Markle’s previous claims about her Maltese heritage. As royal fans watch the couple’s genuine engagement with the Maltese people, questions linger about the validity of Meghan Markle’s narrative.
