Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been a prominent figure in the media ever since she married Prince Harry in 2018. Her entry into the British royal family was historic, as she was one of the few American and biracial individuals to join the institution. However, Meghan's time within the royal fold was not without controversy and challenges. In January 2020, Meghan and Harry announced their decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family, a move that came to be known as "Megxit." This decision led to a series of events and public reactions, particularly when Meghan was perceived to have broken an important royal rule for financial independence. This article explores the consequences of Meghan's actions and the broader implications for the royal family and public perception.
The British royal family operates under a strict set of protocols and traditions designed to maintain the dignity and neutrality of the monarchy. One such rule is the prohibition against profiting from the royal status. Royals are expected to remain politically neutral and avoid commercial ventures that could be seen as exploiting their titles. This rule ensures that their public roles are not tainted by personal financial interests and that their primary focus remains on their ceremonial and charitable duties.
When Meghan and Harry announced their intention to become financially independent, it was clear that they intended to diverge from this tradition. The couple indicated they would seek private income streams while continuing some royal duties, a balance that proved to be contentious and complex.
Following their departure from royal duties, Meghan and Harry founded the Archewell Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on charitable activities. However, their quest for financial independence also saw them entering into several lucrative deals, including a multi-million dollar agreement with streaming giants Netflix and Spotify. These deals were aimed at producing content ranging from documentaries to podcasts, leveraging their global recognition.
The decision to enter the commercial sphere raised eyebrows, as it was seen as a direct challenge to the traditional royal code of conduct. Critics argued that Meghan and Harry were capitalizing on their royal connections to secure these deals, thus violating the unwritten rule against monetizing their royal status. Supporters, however, praised their efforts to chart their own path and highlighted the couple's emphasis on using their platform for positive change.
The media's reaction to Meghan and Harry's departure and subsequent commercial activities was mixed. British tabloids, which had often been critical of Meghan, were quick to condemn the couple's actions. Headlines accused them of hypocrisy, suggesting that they wanted to retain the benefits of their royal status while shirking the responsibilities. The intense media scrutiny was reminiscent of the coverage that Meghan faced during her time as a working royal, which she and Harry cited as one of the reasons for their departure.
Much of the American media and public were more supportive. Many viewed Meghan and Harry's move as a bold step towards independence and admired their efforts to modernize and redefine what it means to be a royal in the 21st century. The couple's candid interviews, particularly the tell-all with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, shed light on the challenges they faced within the royal family, garnering sympathy and support from a global audience.
The response from Buckingham Palace to Meghan and Harry's departure and subsequent commercial ventures was measured but firm. In a statement, the Queen expressed her support for the couple's desire to create a new life, but also made it clear that there would be repercussions. The couple was stripped of their royal patronages and honorary military appointments, and it was emphasized that they would no longer represent the Queen in any capacity.
This response underscored the royal family's commitment to upholding their traditional roles and responsibilities. By distancing themselves from Meghan and Harry's commercial activities, the monarchy aimed to preserve its integrity and avoid setting a precedent for future royals.
Meghan and Harry's decision to break away from royal duties and pursue financial independence has had significant implications for the monarchy. It highlighted the challenges of maintaining traditional royal roles in a rapidly changing world and underscored the tensions between personal freedom and institutional duty.
One major implication is the ongoing conversation about the relevance and modernization of the monarchy. Meghan and Harry's actions have sparked debates about whether the royal family needs to adapt to contemporary values and expectations. Supporters of modernization argue that the institution must evolve to stay relevant, while traditionalists maintain that its strength lies in its adherence to long-standing protocols and apolitical stance.
Additionally, the couple's departure has brought attention to issues of race and mental health within the royal family. Meghan's experiences as a biracial woman in the predominantly white institution, coupled with her and Harry's openness about their mental health struggles, have resonated with many and prompted discussions about diversity, inclusion, and the support systems available within the royal framework.
Despite stepping back from their royal roles, Meghan and Harry continue to wield significant influence. Their media ventures and public appearances keep them in the spotlight, allowing them to advocate for causes they care about, such as mental health, racial equality, and environmental sustainability.
Their ability to command global attention has proven to be both an asset and a source of controversy. While they have successfully leveraged their platform to promote charitable initiatives and raise awareness on important issues, their continued association with the royal family means that their actions are often scrutinized through the lens of their former royal status.
Meghan Markle's decision to break from royal protocol and pursue financial independence has had far-reaching consequences. It has reshaped public perceptions of the monarchy, highlighted the need for modernization, and sparked important conversations about race, mental health, and the role of the royal family in the contemporary world.
The journey that Meghan and Harry have embarked upon is a testament to their desire for autonomy and their commitment to using their influence for positive change. While their actions have drawn criticism and sparked controversy, they have also opened up new possibilities for what it means to be a member of the royal family in the 21st century.
As Meghan and Harry continue to navigate their post-royal lives, the world watches closely, recognizing that their story is not just about breaking rules, but about redefining them in a way that reflects the values and challenges of a new era.