By Charlotte Webster-
Meghan Markle(pictured) enters the New Year finding herself bombarded by a daily media onslaught, as she faces ongoing scrutiny and criticism on various fronts.
The Duchess of Sussex, along with her husband Prince Harry, has experienced a rollercoaster of highs and lows in the past year, and recent reports suggest that 2024 might be a pivotal year for the royal couple.
Court victories for Prince Harry in 2023 has provided some good news for the duke, at the expense of the press, after a High Court judge ruled that highly placed members of the media turned a blind eye to phone hacking occurring in their midst.
Among those highlighted by the judge was television presenter Piers Morgan, who was said to have been aware of the phone hackings when he was editor at the Daily Mirror.
However, the media remains on the front foot, as a wave of daily negative press against the duke and duchess of Sussex continue.
The Mirror reports today that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are on talking terms with practically nobody in royal circles.
The Daily Express reports that the couple are no longer publicly passionate because their relationship has evolved. The duke of sussex was yesterday described as the Queen of Wishful thinking over her said aspirations to one day be queen of England.
And Geo tv echoes comments by royal commentator Tom Boyer in an article entitled Meghan Markle could ‘never land’ it after leaving Buckingham Palace
Anger against the couple linger in many quarters of British society, many blaming Meghan for coveting and achieving a position she was never going to maintain according to the status quo.
Meghan is believed by a wide sections of the British public to have always had an ulterior motive in joining the royal family, while others say the duke’s mixed race heritage was never going to her fully accepted in royal circles. Both opposing views split the public’s views.
The duchess of Sussex is perceived in many quarters to be an opportunist whose inclusion in the royal family was doomed to be a problem from the start.
Critics point to Prince Harry’s quote(from his book SPARE) of his brother’s expression that Meghan was abrasive and a problem with her staff.
A behavioural attitude on the part of Meghan is highlighted here. Yet, an onslaught by more than one publication in one day may be seen as a calculated attack by a group with ulterior motives.
The credibility of each article always rests on the quality of its message, and the level of its resonance with the common reader. Some attacks are an expression of contempt against Meghan Markle for various reasons, others simply reflect their take on developments so far in the royal family.
In just 24 hours, Meghan Markle was the subject of scrutiny in three news publications for different reasons.
The Mirror yesterday (Wednesday) reported on the insights of body language expert Darren Stanton, shedding light on the dynamics between Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
The article depicts Meghan as an unhappy woman who tries to mask her sad state, while remaining super confident. He says her frustration always surfaces, and concludes the couple make a ”strong brand”
Despite outward displays of support, Stanton notes that Meghan’s frustration occasionally surfaces, whether directed at her husband or herself. He concludes that she does not look completely.
Stanton acknowledges that the couple maintain great respect and support for each other, attributing their emotional journey to the challenges they’ve faced in the public eye. The couple, having experienced highs and lows in 2023, remains a formidable brand, he says.
Language expert Stanton makes reference to career challenges for the Sussexes. Spotify dropped their podcast, and Meghan is reportedly facing difficulties securing new lucrative deals.
The same day, GB News inferred that the Duchess of Sussex is stressed as multiple deals have fallen through, prompting her to consider taking a step back and expecting Prince Harry to take a more active role in their professional endeavors in 2024.
According to an insider speaking to Heat magazine, “This year is make or break for them, and Meghan’s told Harry to step up,” an insider told Heat Magazine.
Meghan’s critics would be happy to see her deals fall through, given the level of anger many people harbour against her, and accusations that she is is milking the royal association to her name though marriage, but has left royal duties on the other hand , at the same time at war with the royal family.
Its unclear who the sources of the insider in this story are. The source suggests that Meghan has been at the forefront of networking efforts, and with deals not materializing, she feels it’s time for Harry to play a more significant role.
Ambitions, Jealousies, and Royal Aspirations
In a different narrative, a royal commentator, Tom Bower, unveils Meghan’s aspirations and challenges.
Bower told Closer that Meghan is working hard to land a contract with a major brand.
Bower said: “Meghan has made huge efforts. She does look amazingly good at the moment – and is clearly working hard at it.
Meghan is reported to be “desperate for endorsements,” and her aspirations seemingly extend to wanting to be Queen.
Bower goes on to suggest that Meghan is envious of Kate Middleton, the future queen, who possesses everything Meghan desires. Despite her efforts, Meghan finds herself unable to surpass Kate’s success and popularity, he says.
The royal expert also reveals Meghan’s desire for an endorsement from Dior, highlighting her alleged disappointment at not securing a contract with the prestigious fashion house.
He says ”Meghan’s aspirations to be the “Duchess of Dior” faced public dismissal by the brand, adding to the challenges she encounters in the public eye”.
The media spotlight continues to follow Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s every move. The dynamics of their relationship, professional aspirations, and public image remain under scrutiny, creating a narrative that unfolds with each passing headline.
It appears Meghan Markle is being subjected to a renewed media onslaught as the year begins. All duchesses are frequently covered by the press, but Markle appears to be gathering overwhelming coverage by several publications on a daily basis.
Meghan Markle’s journey in 2024 appears complex, with a mix of personal, professional, and aspirational challenges. Whether the Duchess can redefine her public narrative and navigate the intricate web of expectations remains to be seen.