A Royal Rift That Lingers
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Meghan and Prince Harry have charted a new path in California, focusing on their family, philanthropy, and media ventures. However, their departure from the UK has left a trail of unresolved tensions with the Royal Family. Sources close to the royals describe interactions with Meghan as formal at best, with communication often limited to official channels or carefully worded exchanges. This sense of detachment was reportedly evident during key moments, such as the late Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022 and King Charles’ coronation in 2023, where Meghan’s absence spoke volumes.
Royal commentator Sarah Vine, writing for the Daily Mail, noted that the formality extends to both sides. “There’s a politeness, but it’s laced with caution,” Vine observed, suggesting that neither Meghan nor the royals are eager to bridge the gap fully. For Meghan, the distance may stem from past experiences of feeling sidelined within the royal fold, while the monarchy appears keen to avoid reigniting old controversies. The result is a relationship that feels more like diplomacy than familial warmth.
Meghan’s Perspective: A Push for Independence
From Meghan’s standpoint, the formality could be a deliberate choice to protect her peace. Insiders say she remains focused on her life in Montecito, raising Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet alongside Harry, while building their Archewell Foundation and pursuing creative projects. Her recent public appearances, including a children’s hospital gala in Los Angeles, showcased her commitment to causes close to her heart, signaling a desire to carve out an identity separate from the royal narrative.
Yet, Meghan has not entirely severed ties with the UK. Her occasional messages to the royals—such as birthday wishes or condolences—demonstrate an effort to maintain civility. According to those familiar with her circle, Meghan values her children’s connection to their British heritage and hopes to foster some link with their royal relatives, even if it’s on her terms. However, these gestures are often met with reserved responses, reinforcing the sense of formality that defines the relationship.
The Royals’ Stance: Guarded and Reserved
On the other side, the Royal Family’s approach to Meghan appears shaped by a need to protect the institution. King Charles, who once shared a warm bond with his daughter-in-law, is said to keep interactions minimal, focusing instead on his duties and the monarchy’s public image. Prince William and Kate Middleton, now the Prince and Princess of Wales, reportedly maintain an even greater distance, with little direct contact since Harry and Meghan’s exit. The fallout from Harry’s memoir Spare and the couple’s Netflix docuseries has only deepened the divide, leaving wounds that have yet to heal.
Royal historian Robert Lacey has pointed out that the formality serves a purpose for the monarchy. “It’s about maintaining stability,” he explained, noting that the royals are wary of being drawn into public spats or media storms. This cautious approach was evident when Buckingham Palace issued brief, neutral statements in response to Meghan and Harry’s projects, avoiding any hint of personal sentiment.
Public Perception: A Divided Audience
The ongoing saga of Meghan and the royals continues to polarize public opinion. Supporters of the Duchess argue that she’s been unfairly cast as the outsider, facing undue criticism for seeking a life free from royal constraints. They point to her charitable work and resilience in the face of media scrutiny as evidence of her strength. Critics, however, view her as unwilling to adapt to royal traditions, accusing her of fueling tensions through public disclosures about her experiences.
Social media platforms like X reflect this divide, with some users praising Meghan’s independence and others questioning her motives. Posts often highlight the formality in her royal interactions as either a sign of maturity or a symptom of irreparable strain. The debate shows no signs of slowing, as every move Meghan makes is dissected for clues about her standing with the monarchy.
What Lies Ahead for Meghan and the Royals?
As both sides settle into this uneasy truce, the future of Meghan’s relationship with the Royal Family remains uncertain. Reconciliation seems unlikely in the near term, with neither party appearing eager to break the cycle of formality. For Meghan, the focus is on her family and projects, with upcoming initiatives through Archewell hinting at new ventures in 2025. The royals, meanwhile, are preoccupied with their own challenges, from King Charles’ health to Kate’s return to public duties following her cancer recovery.
The story of Meghan and the royals is one of missed opportunities and mutual wariness, a reminder that even the most prominent families can struggle to find common ground. For now, the Duchess of Sussex walks her own path, leaving the world to wonder whether the frostiness with the monarchy will ever thaw.
