Meghan Markle: Royal Family Member, Or Is She?

In a world where the British monarchy is a seemingly ever-shifting entity, the status of Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, remains a topic of much debate and speculation. As a former actress-turned-Royal, Meghan Markle's path to royalty has been an unconventional one, and with it has come a plethora of questions about her place within the Royal Family. Is she truly a family member, or just a respected member of the royal household? As we delve into her story, the lines between royalty and celebrity blur, and the dynamics of the Windsor's modernization begin to take shape.

Meghan Markle's Background

Prior to marrying Prince Harry, Meghan Markle was an American actress, best known for her starring role as Rachel Zane on the USA Network drama Suits. Born on August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, Markle pursued a career in acting, with early roles in various television shows and films, including the popular 2002 film Horrible Bosses and the short-lived television series Marvin Marvin.

After six seasons on Suits, Markle's relationship with Prince Harry was officially announced in November 2016, sending shockwaves throughout the British media world. Their much-publicized romance, which culminated in an engagement announcement in November 2017, sent the media into a frenzy, and the world watched with bated breath as the couple navigated their high-profile relationship.

From Hollywood to The Palace

Markle's transition to royal life was swift and dramatic. She shifted her focus from acting to supporting her partner and eventually married Prince Harry on May 19, 2018, at St. George's Chapel, Windsor. As the royal freshman, Meghan underwent extensive preparation and training, adapting to British customs, etiquette, and the historic expectations that come with being a member of the British royal family.

"I had to adapt to this new world that I had entered, which was totally foreign to me," Markle explained in a 2020 interview with British Vogue. "I had to learn what it meant to be a member of the royal family, how it works and what was expected of me. I had to make sense of all that."

Meghan Markle's Role Within the Royal Family

Within the British monarchy, the Duchess of Sussex holds a host of duties and responsibilities, spanning charity work, public appearances, and supporting her husband. Upon her accession to the title, Markle took on a host of causes close to her heart, becoming the patron of organizations such as the National Theater and One Young World, an international conference for young leaders.

As the first American Duchess in decades, Markle has been a focal point for conversation about modernizing the monarchy and breaking down barriers. Her sense of style, commitment to social causes, and confident demeanor have been particularly influential, attracting praise from the press and the public alike.

Controversy and Criticism

Despite widespread admiration, Markle has faced significant criticism and scrutiny from the press and within royal circles. Accusations of "Fab four" breakdown, referring to the once-tight bond between Prince Harry, William, Kate, and Harry, have swirled throughout the media, with palace insiders suggesting that Meghan drove a wedge between the brothers.

Rachel Wright, a well-known royal biographer, recounts that Markle's "blunt" and "assertive" approach created tension within the family unit. "She rubbed people the wrong way, some members were green about the edges as soon as she arrived," Wright suggests in an interview.

The Exit and Its Aftermath

On January 8, 2020, it was announced that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would step down as senior members of the royal family, a decision they referred to as a "transition to a more peaceful life." The ripples of their departure, both in the media and the palace, remain profound to this day.

With the Palace declining to elaborate on the circumstances surrounding their departure, the drama surrounding Meghan Markle's infamous split persists. Author Penny Junor highlights the delicate dynamics at play, stating that tension increased between the Sussexes and the Palace when "Harry felt he couldn't reconcile" the tension between the role expected of him, his wishes, and Markle's drive.

Legacy and Future Outlook

Meghan Markle's time within the Royal Family has undoubtedly been replete with polarizing reactions. As she and Prince Harry forge ahead on their own terms, reimagining their future roles and pursuit of happiness, the baton of "royal" and its nuances have come under intense scrutiny.

It remains to be seen how the reception of Meghan Markle as a "Royal Family member" will shift as her new chapter unfolds. Whether she'll consolidate her royal role, distance herself from it, or achieve fulfillment through philanthropy and other pursuits, remains to be seen – Markle's path to self-definition outside the tight-fitting confines of royalty will only continue to captivate and fascinate audiences worldwide.

Despite the binary 'inside or outside' perception, media mogul Alastair Campbell cuts through much of the set narrative by discussing the progressive changes shown within the royal family structure, and states that "could, and should, provide a fresh angle on being a royal, one that actually questioned if being a "Royal" - wasn't actually - big time revelatory enough for herself and perhaps others"