Meghan Markle “didn’t understand what was going on” when she joined the royal family, according to one royal author.
The 44-year-old officially became part of the Firm after marrying Prince Harry in 2018. The couple, who now live in California, announced their surprising decision to step back from royal duties less than two years after their wedding. US-born Meghan was an actress before marrying into the Firm, with her most notable role as Rachel Zane on the legal drama Suits.
Discussing Meghan, Catherine Mayer – the author of the newly released book Divide & Rule – said, “Being the wife of the spare would have always meant a secondary role in the eyes of the institution.” It comes as Meghan gears up to return to the UK.
Speaking on HELLO’s A Right Royal Podcast, the expert said, “And one of the early sources of confusion for Meghan coming in was that she had all this amazing positive press, this enthusiasm, and then being in an institution that kept trying to say, ‘No, stay in your lane,’ which they were doing because they see their job as keeping the institution on an even keel, not on serving the individuals.”
Coming to the defense of Meghan, who has previously revealed her limited knowledge of the royal family, Mayer added, “But Meghan had great people working for her.”
Meghan and Harry tied the knot in Windsor in May 2018 (Image: GETTY)
She continued, “I don’t think she necessarily understood how great those people working for her were, but I understand why she didn’t understand what was going on.
“And I think that the expectation that she should have comes from people who don’t know what it’s like behind palace doors. I know it would have completely wrong footed me for sure.”
Following their departure from royal duties, Meghan relocated to start a fresh chapter in the US alongside Harry and their seven-year-old son, now Prince Archie.
The pair subsequently welcomed their daughter, Princess Lilibet, in June 2021.
The family’s upcoming visit to the UK, which will begin later this month, is tied to activities and celebrations surrounding the Invictus Games, which Birmingham will host in 2027.
Reports indicate the highly anticipated trip serves multiple purposes, including promotional opportunities for the Invictus Games and Prince Harry’s desire for his children to spend time with their grandfather, King Charles III.
While a trip of this magnitude is closely monitored by the press, reports note that planning such a high-profile visit without working royal status presents unique logistical hurdles for the couple, with things like security and where they will stay for the length of their trip.