Meghan Markle has faced relentless public scrutiny ever since she and Prince Harry started dating, a spotlight that only grew more intense after they stepped away from the royal family. The couple’s journey began in 2016 when a mutual friend introduced them, hoping they would connect and possibly begin a romantic relationship.
Before long, their romance became public, catapulting Meghan into the global spotlight as the woman dating the world’s most eligible bachelor. Though Meghan was already a known figure in Hollywood, her fame skyrocketed as curiosity about her relationship with Prince Harry spread worldwide.
The couple’s whirlwind romance and quick engagement captivated the public. Their highly anticipated wedding took place in May 2018, followed by an announcement in October of the same year that they were expecting their first child. The world watched as their love story unfolded, but it wasn’t long before the challenges of royal life began to take a toll on Meghan.
Joining the British royal family came with significant hurdles. Meghan had to adjust to a completely different lifestyle, navigate various royal restrictions, and face skepticism from those who questioned her background as an American actress and as a woman of mixed-race heritage. The media’s scrutiny became so intense that Kensington Palace was forced to issue a statement urging the press to give Meghan some space.
The constant pressure eventually led to Meghan and Harry making the life-changing decision to leave England and step down from their royal duties. Their decision to distance themselves from the royal family was driven by a desire for a more peaceful life for their child and to gain financial independence, all while continuing to show support for Queen Elizabeth.
“This geographic balance will allow us to raise our son with respect for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also giving our family the space to focus on the next chapter,” the couple explained at the time.
Their departure shocked many, with speculation mounting that Meghan had influenced Harry to abandon his royal responsibilities. Since stepping back from their roles, the couple has kept their family life more private, although Meghan revealed that she kept a detailed diary from the time she began dating Harry, which she has not yet published.
If Meghan were to release her diary, it would undoubtedly become a bestseller, though it could also strain her already complicated relationship with the royal family. During her time as a royal, Meghan made several controversial decisions, including one that sparked major criticism: announcing her pregnancy during Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s wedding. Many saw this as a breach of royal protocol, turning the spotlight away from the bride and groom on their special day.
Meghan’s choice to reveal her pregnancy during such an important family event was considered a misstep by some, further fueling tensions within the royal family.
