The ongoing saga of the British royal family continues to captivate public interest, particularly regarding the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle.
Questions swirl around whether the royal family is inflicting harm upon itself by sidelining her or if Markle’s actions are damaging the family’s image more than they realize.
It’s a debate that seems to hinge on where one’s loyalties lie—are you rooting for the Duke of Sussex or siding with the Prince of Wales?
Some critics argue that Markle has crossed lines, citing instances where her behavior allegedly upset other family members.
For instance, there are claims that the Princess of Wales was brought to tears due to unkind remarks made by Markle.
Yet, others contend that the royal family as a whole was less than welcoming when she joined their ranks in 2018, which included Catherine herself.
The Sussexes’ strained relationship with their family, compounded by relentless media scrutiny, ultimately drove them to seek a new life across the pond in the United States, further complicating the dynamics within the royal fold.
Imagine how different things might be today had Queen Elizabeth II embraced Markle wholeheartedly from the start.
Would this have altered the course of events?
It’s an intriguing thought.
Yet, the late monarch’s initial response to Markle’s request for a grand wedding ceremony was a firm denial, deemed inappropriate for a royal.
Interestingly, it seems that Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was not particularly fond of Markle either, as suggested by his rather unflattering nickname for her.
Despite these familial tensions, Queen Elizabeth appeared to show a degree of kindness towards Markle, especially in comparison to the stern rejection of her wedding desires.
The couple initially resided at Frogmore Cottage, a quaint residence within the expansive Windsor estate, before making their move to California.
This choice was not without its own drama, as Markle once proposed the idea of living in Windsor Castle, a suggestion that was politely turned down by the Queen.
Historian and royal biographer Hugo Vickers noted that the Queen had recommended Frogmore Cottage as a more suitable home for the newlyweds.
While Windsor Castle could accommodate them and their future children, it was primarily intended for the reigning monarch and their spouse, making it a bit too grand for a young couple just starting out.
Vickers speculated that the Sussexes might have eyed some of the castle’s unused rooms, but it’s easy to see why they might feel out of place in such a historic and imposing setting.
Adding fuel to the fire, Markle’s estranged father, Thomas Markle, became a media sensation leading up to the royal wedding, discussing their fraught relationship and his lack of contact with his grandchildren, Lilibet and Archie.
This negative publicity was a source of concern for the Queen, who recognized the potential damage such family disputes could cause to the royal brand.
A source close to the royal family indicated that Her Majesty was acutely aware of the risks associated with these public disagreements.
Looking back, one can’t help but wonder if the rift between the Sussexes was inevitable, a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts.
Did the Queen possess foresight into the troubles that would unfold?
Such questions linger in the air, waiting for answers that may never come.
As the royal family navigates these turbulent waters, the narrative continues to evolve, capturing the attention of tabloids and historians alike.