Meghan Markle Faces Backlash for Sister's Royal Title Criticism

Is Meghan Markle reinventing herself, or simply playing a role she was always meant to inhabit? The Duchess of Sussex, once a celebrated actress, is now navigating a new landscape, one where her actions are scrutinized with the intensity usually reserved for heads of state.

The question of how Meghan Markle chooses to present herself to the world has become a subject of constant debate. Her recent ventures, from the lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard to the Netflix show With Love, Meghan, have ignited a firestorm of commentary, ranging from genuine curiosity to outright criticism. The very foundation of her public persona, once carefully constructed, now seems to be under constant revision, leading many to question the authenticity of her moves. The core of the controversy appears to revolve around the use, or perceived misuse, of the titles and privileges she acquired during her brief tenure as a working royal.

Source: Royal.uk

The criticism, often delivered through the relentless prism of British tabloids, centers on the perception that she is trading on the very connections she distanced herself from. Her detractors argue that the continued usage of HRH (Her Royal Highness) on a card accompanying a gift, for instance, or the reference to Meghan Sussex on promotional material, are calculated attempts to capitalize on the royal brand, even after stepping down from official duties. The backlash is fueled by the belief that she is attempting to have her cake and eat it too – retaining the prestige associated with royalty while simultaneously operating outside its constraints.

One of the most prominent recent controversies surrounds the launch of her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. While the concept itself—a curated collection of homeware, food, and lifestyle products—is not inherently problematic, the marketing surrounding it has drawn sharp criticism. The brand's aesthetic, which evokes a sense of refined, aspirational living, feels familiar, mirroring the kind of content Meghan curated on her now-defunct blog, The Tig. However, it’s the branding and the suggestion of regal affiliations that's sparked particular disapproval. This is particularly apparent, as many observers have pointed out, while King Charles III has been selling his own jam for decades, Meghan's endeavors face greater scrutiny.

This careful construction of a public image, however, is not new to Meghan. Prior to her marriage to Prince Harry, she cultivated a public persona as a lifestyle influencer through her blog, The Tig. On the site, she discussed travel, food, fashion, and other personal interests. The blog was a carefully crafted window into her life, projecting an image of sophistication and accessibility. The challenge, for Meghan, is in navigating the complexities of the new reality she has created. Every decision, every public appearance, every branding exercise is now judged in the context of her departure from royal life.

The question remains: what does Meghan Markle truly want? Is she simply adapting to the constraints placed upon her, or is she charting her own course? Many observers suggest that her actions are rooted in a desire for financial independence, creative control, and the ability to shape her own narrative. The perceived disconnect between her current actions and the role she once filled has created a space for both fascination and skepticism.

Her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, offers a further glimpse into this evolving narrative. The very title, with its emphasis on personal connection, suggests an effort to humanize the Duchess and counter the more critical portrayals. Whether these endeavors will ultimately rehabilitate her image, or further entrench the divisions remains to be seen. With Love, Meghan, as it has been described, offers a chance to shape her own narrative, away from the constraints of the Royal Family.

However, the criticism isn't limited to her personal projects. The launch of the website sussex.com, which uses the Sussex title, has been met with accusations of hypocrisy. Detractors suggest that while the couple has sought to distance themselves from the institution, they are still using the titles granted by the monarchy to their advantage. This use of titles has further fueled the debate surrounding their public image.

The potential for Meghan and Prince Harry to lose their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles has been a persistent rumor. While the removal of titles would require an act of Parliament, the reports of such discussions within the monarchy suggest the level of frustration surrounding their actions. The implications of such a move would be significant, underscoring the extent to which their decisions are viewed as a threat to the institution.

The use of the HRH title has also ignited a wave of controversy. Reports suggest that Queen Elizabeth II would have been highly offended by Meghan's continued use of the title. The implications of this usage extend beyond mere etiquette, as it is seen by many as a disregard for the protocols and traditions of the monarchy.

Royal commentators and experts have weighed in with their own criticisms, highlighting the improper use of her title. These comments indicate that the criticism is not simply a matter of public opinion but extends to the perspectives of those who are deeply familiar with royal traditions. It is in this context that the duchess's choices are often framed.

The central argument advanced by the critics is that Meghan Markle is capitalizing on the brand of royalty while operating outside its parameters. Whether the perception is accurate is irrelevant; in the realm of public relations, perception shapes reality. The challenge for Meghan is to navigate this landscape while simultaneously pursuing her personal and professional goals.

Ultimately, the situation of Meghan Markle highlights the complex dynamics of celebrity, royalty, and the ever-evolving landscape of public perception. As she continues to reshape her public image, the world will be watching, with the same keen eyes that have followed her every move from the moment she entered the royal family.