Meghan Markle’s journey from Hollywood actress to British royal and global controversy is one of the most polarizing stories in modern celebrity culture. While some see her as a victim of racism and media harassment, others believe she is manipulative and attention-seeking. But how did she get here? In this video essay, we’ll cover the entire timeline of events, after which we'll do a final analysis on why Meghan Markle may be the most hated royal ever.
Born in Los Angeles to a Black mother and white father, Meghan grew up navigating racial identity. She pursued acting, landing her biggest role as Rachel Zane in Suits. Prior to meeting Harry, alongside her career, she engaged in humanitarian work, speaking on gender equality and racial issues.
Meghan and Prince Harry met in 2016 through a mutual friend. Their relationship progressed quickly, and they announced their engagement in 2017. Meghan claimed she knew little about the royal family before meeting Harry, though past blog posts and interviews suggest she had some knowledge. In 2018 Meghan and Harry married in a grand royal wedding watched by millions. However, media coverage quickly turned negative. British tabloids scrutinized her every move, often comparing her unfavorably to Kate Middleton. Many articles carried racial undertones, portraying Meghan as a difficult outsider.
Meghan’s relationship with her father, Thomas Markle, and half-sister, Samantha Markle, deteriorated publicly. Her father missed the wedding after a staged paparazzi scandal, and her half-sister accused her of abandoning family. Meanwhile, rumors of tension between Meghan and Kate Middleton, along with reports of Meghan clashing with palace staff, fueled the narrative that she was difficult.
In 2020, Meghan and Harry shocked the world by stepping down as senior royals. They cited toxic media coverage and a lack of support from the royal family. The British press accused them of betraying the monarchy, dubbing their exit “Megxit.” They relocated to the U.S., seeking financial independence and launching business ventures like their Netflix deal. In 2021, their interview with Oprah Winfrey revealed shocking claims, including discussions about their son Archie’s skin color within the royal family. Meghan also shared her mental health struggles, stating she was denied help while feeling suicidal. The interview divided public opinion: some sympathized with Meghan, while others, like Piers Morgan, dismissed her claims as lies.
Despite stepping away from royal life, Meghan remains in the spotlight. Some see her as a manipulative figure capitalizing on victimhood, pointing to inconsistencies in her statements. Others argue that racism and misogyny drive much of the hatred against her. Regardless, she continues to be one of the most talked-about figures in modern media. Meghan Markle’s story is complex—she is either a trailblazer challenging an outdated institution or an opportunist using her royal status for personal gain. Whether loved or hated, one thing is certain: the world isn’t done talking about Meghan Markle.
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