Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been a controversial figure ever since she began dating Prince Harry in 2016. While many admire her as a modern, biracial American woman bringing change to the traditionally conservative British royal family, she also has vocal critics and haters. Here are some of the main reasons why Meghan sparks such polarized opinions:
Meghan Markle Really That Bad?
A common perception is that Meghan is demanding, calculating, and opportunistic in how she handles her royal role. For example:
- Critics accused her of being a social climber when she started dating Harry. As an actress, she likely saw becoming a princess as a way to raise her celebrity profile.
- Meghan ruffled feathers by breaking various royal protocols related to etiquette and attire. This led to accusations she refused to conform to expectations for how a royal should behave.
- There are rumors Meghan feuded with staff and family members like Kate Middleton over things like bridesmaid dresses. This painted her as temperamental and difficult.
- Meghan guest edited the September 2019 issue of British Vogue, which some saw as inappropriately politicized for a royal.
- She and Harry announced they were stepping back as senior royals without advance warning. This decision to “Megxit” made them seem selfish and undedicated.
So in the eyes of critics, Meghan distains royal traditions and acts in unbecoming ways to benefit herself versus out of duty. But her supporters argue she’s a refreshing change agent unwilling to conform to outdated notions of being royal.
Does Racism and Sexism Factor In?
As a biracial, divorced American actress, Meghan has attributes that challenged the traditions of British royalty. Some believe bigoted attitudes contribute to the animosity she faces:
- There are undertones of racism in some coverage and online comments about her ethnic background. Her mother is African American and her father white.
- Her treatment is often compared negatively to Kate Middleton’s, with Meghan judged more harshly. Some see this as evidence of bias against her as a woman of color.
- She was targeted by offensive and racist remarks on social media, especially after her relationship with Harry went public.
- Tabloids have run unflattering stories about Meghan’s family background compared to the Middleton family.
- Meghan’s feminist stances and advocacy rub some the wrong way. As an outspoken, confident woman, she disturbs their notions about women’s roles.
So Meghan’s critics may consciously or subconsciously dislike her modern, outspoken, biracial image that challenges historical norms for royals. But fans believe she should be applauded for breaking barriers, not hated.
Harry and Meghan Trying to Have It Both Ways
When Harry and Meghan first wed, there was an outpouring of excitement at the possibility of a more modern, relatable royal couple. But they drew backlash after wanting Royal perks without what they saw as constraints:
- They trademarked “Sussex Royal” products and trademarks, which seemed hypocritical for royals wanting financial independence.
- The public bristled at spending millions on their home renovations at Frogmore Cottage.
- They spoke of wanting privacy yet used access to royal connections and events to launch careers in entertainment and public speaking.
- Their $100 million Netflix and Spotify deals struck some as capitalizing on royal status without committing to the work.
- They gave intimate media interviews criticizing royal life while still using Duke and Duchess titles.
To critics, Harry and Meghan want royal prestige, income, and media attention without the public service and scrutiny. But their supporters feel they had no choice but to step back to escape toxic conditions.
Do Harry and Meghan Overshare and Seek Attention?
Another criticism is that Harry and Meghan seem to crave attention and overshare private matters in public:
- They revealed deeply personal details to Oprah Winfrey, like Meghan’s mental health struggles. To some, airing “dirty laundry” seemed beneath royal dignity.
- Harry participated in emotional therapy sessions on camera for his Apple TV+ documentary series. His candid revelations made him seem unstable.
- Meghan’s “no one has asked if I’m OK” interview as Duchess cast her as seeking sympathy.
- The Netflix reality series about their lives looks like a thirst for celebrity and attention.
- They name public figures like Prince Charles in interviews, which seems like breaching family trusts.
So Harry and Meghan may feed public perception they are fame-seekers looking to build brands through theatrics versus dedicated service. But advocates believe sharing their story helps combat misleading media narratives.
Cutting Off Family Members Justified
Another complaint is that Harry and Meghan have hurtfully distanced themselves from royal relatives:
- Harry has spoken critically of Prince Charles’ parenting and upbringing. This seems insensitive given family tensions.
- Meghan estranged her father’s side of the family. She could be more understanding of their shortcomings.
- The Sussexes have not returned often to the UK to visit Queen Elizabeth II, fueling accusations they don’t care about Harry’s aging grandparents.
- They bristle at continued use of Duke and Duchess titles despite leaving working royal roles. This seems unreasonable given the circumstances.
Harry and Meghan’s rift with relatives violates the ideal of loyalty in families. But they may feel removing toxic elements justified finding their own path.
How Valid Are Complaints Against Meghan Markle?
- She shakes up tradition, which can threaten people wanting order, but also shows how institutions can modernize.
- Racism and sexism likely unfairly magnify dislike, but she’s also not immune from legitimate critiques.
- Seeking fortune using royal fame has validity as an issue. But their deals could be seen as entrepreneurial.
- Oversharing private matters does violate norms. But confiding struggles can also empower others facing similar issues.
- Estranging family has costs. But protecting one’s mental health may require difficult separations.
In many ways, Meghan signifies larger cultural clashes over modernity versus tradition, openness versus privacy. Her treatment likely reflects both valid concerns and ugly prejudices. Reality lies somewhere between saint and villain narratives. But she evokes polarized views by playing a trailblazing role in an antiquated institution.
What Are Common Arguments People Make Against Meghan Markle?
Here are some of the frequent criticisms and accusations made against Meghan by her detractors:
Rude and demanding to royal staff
- Numerous stories of Meghan’s “dictatorial” behavior with staff have emerged, including reducing some to tears
- She allegedly emails staff demands as early as 5am, indicating unreasonable expectations
- High staff turnover in Meghan’s household has fueled rumors she is hard to work for
Spent exorbitant amounts of money on furnishings
- Renovations to Harry and Meghan’s Frogmore Cottage home cost £2.4 million, paid by taxpayers
- Rumors swirled about extravagant baby shower celebrations in New York
- For some, this shows Meghan exploits royal status for lavish lifestyle
Social climber who uses people
- As an actress, Meghan was accused of cultivating influential contacts to raise profile
- She ended friendships after achieving fame, suggesting social ladder climbing -Relationship with Harry followed past pattern of leveraging connections
Manipulates the press and public opinion
- Meghan skillfully uses media to craft her public image as part of brand strategy
- She fabricated stories to court sympathy, like exaggerated tales of loneliness
- Legal threats to tabloids led to accusations she suppresses unfavorable coverage
Disrespects and mistreats her family
- Meghan has an estranged relationship with her father’s side after the marriage
- She failed to patch things up with ill father before his death
- Claims she never helped family financially despite newfound wealth
Hypocrite about climate change
- Harry and Meghan criticized climate impact of frequent flying while using private jets
- They invested in an energy-consuming $14 million California mansion
- This struck many as “do as I say, not as I do” hypocrisy on environmentalism
What Do People Admire About Meghan Markle?
While Meghan certainly has vocal critics, she also has many supporters who admire her. Here are some of the qualities her proponents cite:
- She’s an upbeat, confident woman who empowers others. Her feminism and focus on mental health resonate.
- She introduced modern sensibilities into a rigid system bound by tradition. This brings needed diversity.
- Her multi-ethnic background represents an inclusive vision of what being royal can mean going forward.
- She was gracious under often racist and cruel media attacks. This perseverance is admirable.
- She gave up a successful acting career for public service in unfamiliar circumstances. Her work ethic is strong.
- As a self-made woman, she symbolizes how merit and hard work matter more than birthright.
- She prioritized her family’s health and happiness by making the hard choice to step back from royal pressures.
- She is an excellent public speaker who connects with people in an authentic, relatable way.
Conclusion
Meghan, Harry and other polarizing royals embody cultural conflicts of values between tradition and progress, conformity and individualism. Their treatment reveals prejudices around race, gender, class, and nationality. They signify honest attempts to redefine ancient institutions to better reflect modern societies. And the tensions arising from that struggle.
With Meghan specifically, disliking her has validity if it stems from substantive critiques like financial responsibility or dignity in public conduct. But blanket condemnation risks being colored by bigotry and resistance to change.
Her legacy will be defined by whether she represents a turning point towards inclusivity, honesty, and social responsibility in an outdated system – or just superficial change masking enduring problems. The full truth likely rests in the middle. But the need for ongoing reexamination of monarchy in changing times is undeniable.
FAQs About Controversy Over Meghan Markle
Why is there a double standard in how Kate and Meghan are treated?
Critics note Kate escapes backlash for the same behaviors Meghan gets vilified for, like spending on maternity wardrobes or conflicts with staff. This likely reflects unconscious bias towards Kate’s British roots versus Meghan’s ‘outsider’ American status. Race and class also potentially factor in.
How has social media impacted the visibility of Meghan criticism?
Online forums and social networks allow anti-Meghan rhetoric to gain momentum and exposure it otherwise wouldn’t receive. The dehumanizing anonymity on sites like Twitter enables racist, sexist abuse impossible in real-life settings. But supporters also rallily behind her.
Why does the British media have such a toxic relationship with Meghan?
Tabloids and paparazzi culture predate on attacking celebrities for money, and the royal family is a prime target. Racism also persists in some outlets. Meghan refusing to quietly tolerate this mistreatment disrupted the established order between royals and Fleet Street press. Resentment ensued.
Could Meghan and Harry have avoided backlash through different choices?
If Meghan conformed more to royal protocol and avoided politics, she may have dodged some criticism. But importantly, calls for her to ‘know her place’ inherently embody the sexist, racist attitudes she challenges. Staying silent was arguably not an option.
Do those criticizing Meghan as hypocritical have valid concerns?
Charges of hypocrisy over things like environmentalism are not entirely unfounded – the optics do matter. But these attacks often lack nuance in proportionality. Overall, Meghan’s actions advancing social progress likely outweigh these inconsistencies.