In yet another royal bombshell, Meghan Markle’s behind-the-scenes frustrations during her time as a working royal have come to light—this time focusing on one shocking complaint: she was upset she wasn’t getting paid for her royal duties.
According to royal expert Valentine Low, the Duchess of Sussex was left baffled and irritated during the couple’s 2018 South Pacific tour when she realized that all the glitz, crowds, and attention didn’t come with a paycheck.
While public appearances painted a picture of a smiling, confident duchess winning over hearts in Australia, insiders say Meghan was simmering beneath the surface. “Massive crowds were turning out to see them,” said Low. “Meghan’s refreshingly informal approach to royal visits was proving a hit with the Australian public.”
But behind closed doors, Meghan wasn’t impressed by the centuries-old tradition of royal walkabouts—where members of the Royal Family shake hands with ordinary citizens and greet the crowds without receiving monetary compensation.
In an alleged outburst to her staff, Meghan reportedly exclaimed: “I can’t believe I’m not getting paid for this.” A moment that has now become a defining snapshot of her complicated relationship with royal expectations.
Adding to the drama, the Duchess is also said to have questioned the very purpose of such events, saying, “What are they all doing here? It’s silly.” These remarks stunned palace aides and reportedly widened the rift between Meghan and her new royal life.
Royal watchers are now seeing this revelation as yet another indicator of the cultural mismatch between Meghan and the traditions of “The Firm.” Her background as a successful actress, accustomed to contracts and compensation, clashed sharply with the unpaid service-oriented nature of royal life.
While Meghan enjoyed the media buzz and connection with fans, it seems the idea of fulfilling royal obligations without a financial reward was difficult for her to accept.
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This revelation has only added fuel to the fiery debate surrounding the Sussexes’ royal exit. Critics argue that Meghan misunderstood or undervalued the symbolic and historical responsibilities of the role she married into. Supporters, however, believe this shows how outdated the system really is—why should a modern woman be expected to work without pay, even in a royal role?
It’s no secret that Meghan and Harry’s split from the monarchy was driven in part by their desire for financial independence. But these comments suggest that the issue may have started much earlier—and much deeper.
Meghan’s alleged remarks now risk undermining the goodwill she garnered during the tour. The 2018 South Pacific visit was supposed to mark the couple’s rising star status. Instead, it has become yet another case study in the growing divide between royal tradition and modern values.
This revelation also raises tough questions for the monarchy itself. Should royal duties evolve to reflect modern standards of labor and compensation? Or is service without pay a foundational pillar of royal life?
For now, the Duchess’s comments have reignited long-simmering criticism and cast further doubt on her motivations. Was Meghan ever fully prepared for royal life—or was the lack of a paycheck always going to be a deal-breaker?
One thing is clear: this latest controversy is sure to widen the gap between the Sussexes and the British public, many of whom already feel betrayed by their departure. And with Meghan now focusing on lifestyle brands and media ventures in the U.S., the question remains—did she ever truly understand the job she signed up for.
