Buckingham Palace is facing renewed criticism for what many see as a failure to protect and embrace Meghan Markle during her early years within the Royal Family. Royal commentator Jennie Bond has been vocal about the missed opportunities, noting that Meghan could have brought a fresh, modern approach to the monarchy.
In an interview with GB News, Bond expressed regret over how the institution handled Meghan’s integration into royal life. She pointed out that Meghan was a unique asset to the Royal Family, stating, “Meghan could have been such a credit to the Royal Family – she is an independent, forthright woman with her own career, her own thoughts, her own charities and causes.”
Bond emphasized that Meghan’s skills and vision could have helped shape the Royal Family into a more modern institution, something that has been a growing concern in recent years. “She could have been exactly what a modern monarchy needs,” Bond remarked, lamenting that the palace may have missed a crucial opportunity to evolve by not fully embracing Meghan’s strengths.
Despite these positive reflections, Bond also acknowledged that Meghan’s strong personality may have clashed with the traditional ways of royal life. “Meghan is by all accounts a bit of a diva,” Bond said, adding, “She didn’t like what she saw, and she didn’t like her wings being clipped.”
This analysis hints at the deeper conflicts that may have led to Meghan and Prince Harry stepping back from royal duties in 2020. Meghan’s independent nature, combined with a desire to forge her own path, seemed to conflict with the restrictions and expectations placed on her by the institution. The strain of this tension is likely a factor in the couple’s decision to distance themselves from the monarchy.
Bond’s comments also touched on a significant parallel between Meghan and Kate Middleton. In the early days of Kate’s relationship with Prince William, she too faced intense media scrutiny and public pressure. However, over time, Kate’s image transformed, and she became one of the most beloved members of the Royal Family.
According to a recent YouGov poll conducted in April, over three-quarters of Brits view Kate positively, with her approval rating soaring to 76%, even outshining Prince William’s 73%.
This transformation in public perception serves as a stark contrast to the challenges faced by Meghan. While Kate’s approval grew over time, Meghan never quite received the same level of acceptance or support, both from the public and from within the palace, as many commentators have suggested.
Kate’s experience shows that even with initial scrutiny, royal life can become more manageable over time, if given the right support. Bond believes that had the palace acted more carefully, Meghan might have had a similar trajectory. “I think the monarchy didn’t act as carefully as they should have done,” Bond admitted, implying that more could have been done to guide and protect Meghan during her transition into royal life.
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While Kate has enjoyed overwhelming approval, with only 15% of the public viewing her negatively, Meghan has faced a much more polarizing reception. Meghan’s unique position as an outsider—both as a woman of color and as an American actress—presented challenges that the institution may not have been fully equipped to handle. However, Bond’s remarks suggest that these challenges were not insurmountable.
The commentator’s reflections offer a glimpse into what might have been if Meghan had been fully embraced and supported by the palace. Instead, her time within the Royal Family was marked by tension, media scrutiny, and eventually, a high-profile exit.
As the monarchy continues to navigate its future, especially in the post-Queen Elizabeth II era, the question remains: could Meghan have played a pivotal role in helping the institution modernize and remain relevant? While Meghan and Harry have moved on to carve out their own path in the U.S., the debate over how the palace handled her entry into royal life will likely continue for years to come.
Bond’s analysis serves as a reminder that the Royal Family’s actions—or inactions—can have lasting consequences, both for individual members and for the institution as a whole. As the dust settles after Megxit, many are left wondering whether the monarchy’s approach to Meghan Markle was a missed opportunity for real change.
