Meghan Markle's decision to step away from royalty, mirroring Princess Diana's pursuit of a more independent life before her tragic death in 1997, has not been welcomed by the royal family.
Prince Harry's desire to avoid "repeating history" and subjecting his wife to the challenges faced by his mother is one of the driving factors behind their departure from royal duties.
Stewart Pearce, an old friend of Diana, draws parallels between Meghan Markle and the late princess, citing their shared experiences. In an interview with The Sun, Pearce, who had worked with Diana in preparing her for public appearances, notes the similarities between the two women.
Both Princess Diana and Meghan Markle were advocates of female empowerment, challenging traditional norms within the rigid confines of royalty. According to Pearce, Diana was ahead of her time, promoting hope, empowerment, kindness, and authenticity—a stance that clashed with the established protocols of the royal institution. Similarly, Meghan Markle's efforts to modernize and introduce new ideas have faced resistance within the conservative traditions of the United Kingdom.
Another commonality lies in their courage to speak the truth. Meghan Markle, like her mother-in-law, faced controversy following her interview with Oprah, where she candidly discussed intim-te details about the Royal Family. Princess Diana had previously revealed Prince Charles's infidelity in the landmark "interview of the century" and collaborated with journalist Andrew Morton to share her perspective. The courage displayed by Meghan echoes the boldness of her late mother-in-law.
Both women also connected with the public in a significant way, gaining popularity that posed a threat to the traditional image of royalty. The creator of the British family series, The Crown, Peter Morgan, observed that the royal family's preference is for individuals who remain invisible, merely fulfilling ceremonial duties. Meghan Markle's popularity, akin to that of Princess Diana, challenges this conventional expectation, unsettling the royals in the process.
