The story of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry began like a modern fairy tale. A woman of non-aristocratic background marries a real prince and moves into a castle. From the very beginning, their love story captivated the public. It began when Prince Harry noticed Meghan Markle on Instagram, in a short video with a Snapchat filter posted by a mutual friend.
They met in person later, on a blind date in London. After that, they dated in strict secrecy, including a discreet trip to Botswana. Their relationship remained under the radar for only a few months before the British tabloids uncovered the romance – triggering an avalanche of headlines, speculation, and attacks the royal family had not seen in decades. Harry openly accused the media of harassment and racist undertones directed at Meghan. The press pursued them relentlessly, and the frenzy surrounding the couple soon began to resemble the persecution once endured by Harry’s mother, Princess Diana.
A fairytale wedding
After a year and four months of dating, they became engaged. Their wedding took place on May 19, 2018, at Windsor Castle and was watched by nearly two billion people worldwide. Meghan dazzled in a white Givenchy gown, Harry shone in his British Army uniform, and the emotional gospel rendition of Stand by Me moved audiences around the globe. Following the ceremony at St. George’s Chapel, Meghan Markle became the Duchess of Sussex. An official reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth II followed, attended by members of the royal family and prominent figures from politics and public life. The evening concluded with a private party at Frogmore House, attended by friends, colleagues, and celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, George and Amal Clooney, Serena Williams, James Blunt, Elton John, and, of course, the couple’s closest friends. They spent their honeymoon in South Africa and, upon returning, began fulfilling their royal duties.
Strained relationships
At first, everything seemed ideal – but the idyll did not last long. Problems soon began to accumulate around Meghan, and tabloid pressure intensified by the day. Comparisons between the Duchess of Sussex and the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate, became constant, particularly in terms of fashion and public behavior. Troubling reports also emerged about Meghan’s strained family relationships prior to the wedding. Her father, Thomas Markle, cooperated with the tabloids and ultimately did not attend the wedding, something the public did not forgive her. Her half-sister and other relatives repeatedly criticized her in the media, turning a family conflict into a public scandal that culminated in legal action. The Duchess of Sussex sued the British tabloid Mail on Sunday and its publisher, Associated Newspapers, over the publication of a private letter she had written to her father – who himself sided with the media.
Meghan and Harry in front of St. Paul's Cathedral in London in 2022.
Escalating pressure
Gradually, Meghan came to be portrayed in the tabloids and in public opinion as a problematic member of the royal family. Reports of tensions within the palace, conflicts with the Duchess of Cambridge and palace staff, and allegations of arrogance or bullying significantly damaged her reputation. Media claims that she squandered taxpayers’ money further inflamed the situation. The renovation of Frogmore Cottage – the residence she and Prince Harry planned to live in – cost approximately £2.4 million. The announcement of her pregnancy intensified the controversy even further, as the media and public fixated on the child’s skin color. After the birth of their son, Archie, in May 2019, pressure mounted again, with reports suggesting that relations between Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William, were deteriorating – developments for which the Duchess of Sussex was widely blamed.
A shocking decision
In January 2020 came a dramatic turning point. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their decision to step back from royal duties and pursue a financially independent life outside the United Kingdom. They planned to focus on charitable work, media ventures, and projects beyond the royal family, relocating first to Canada and later to the United States. Media pressure did not ease after their move to America. Their candid interview with Oprah Winfrey effectively ruled out any return to royal life. The decision severely damaged Prince Harry’s relationship with his father and brother. Speaking openly about racism, media harassment, and their reasons for breaking with the monarchy, they fueled further controversy. The British tabloids labeled Meghan the “most disliked celebrity in the world” – a title she continues to carry. Harry, meanwhile, was criticized for airing family grievances in public. Legal disputes followed, including cases involving the publication of private photographs and unlawful invasions of privacy. Public opinion increasingly blamed Meghan for having “completely changed” Prince Harry.
A title as a brand
Another wave of outrage followed the couple’s attempt to use and protect the Sussex brand. Their effort to trademark the name Sussex Royal for charitable and media activities provoked sharp reactions from both the public and the palace. Critics accused them of trying to monetize a royal title to which they were no longer entitled after stepping away from the monarchy. Under mounting pressure, they were forced to abandon the name – an episode the tabloids framed as further proof that Meghan sought to turn royal status into a commercial asset. Controversy intensified again when the couple signed a multimillion-dollar deal with Netflix, resulting in a documentary series about their lives. The tabloids immediately accused the Duchess of Sussex of “selling her story” and profiting from conflicts with the royal family. Her public image was further damaged by reports that she had gone through ten PR advisers in five years, reinforcing portrayals of her as difficult and uncooperative. Every move she makes – whether charitable initiatives, media appearances, or business ventures – is scrutinized, questioned, and often framed as calculated. All of this only reinforces her reputation as one of the most controversial women of our time.
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The Duchess of Sussex, born Rachel Meghan Markle (August 4, 1981, Los Angeles), is a former American actress and the wife of Prince Harry of the United Kingdom.
She attended private schools, including Immaculate Heart High School, and graduated from Northwestern University in 2003 with a degree in theater. After university, she also worked at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires.
As an actress, she appeared in films such as Get Him to the Greek, Remember Me, and Horrible Bosses, and rose to fame through the television series Suits. She founded the lifestyle website The Tig and supported various charitable and fashion initiatives.
Before marrying Prince Harry, she was previously married to Trevor Engelson and later in a relationship with Cory Vitiello. Her mother, Doria Ragland, is a therapist and yoga instructor; her father, Thomas Markle, is a lighting director and Emmy Award winner.
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