Meghan Markle has ignited a fresh wave of criticism after drawing comparisons between herself and the iconic activist Nelson Mandela.
In a recent interview with The Cut magazine, Markle discussed her experiences within the British Royal Family and made bold assertions about the significance of her role, even likening it to Mandela's impactful fight against apartheid.
This drew widespread disapproval on social media, with not only ordinary individuals expressing their discontent but also Mandela's own family weighing in on the matter.
Responding to Markle's statements, Nelson Mandela's grandson dismissed the notion of equivalence, emphasizing that marrying a "white prince" is fundamentally different from Mandela's lifelong struggle for human rights.
The grandson, Zwelivelile 'Mandla', expressed surprise at Markle's remarks and conveyed his displeasure with her comparison. He stressed the incomparable magnitude of Mandela's contributions to South Africa, highlighting the historical context of overcoming 60 years of apartheid and 350 years of colonialism.
Markle's controversial interview touched on various aspects of her life, including her departure from the Royal Family and allegations of racism. However, it was her comparison to Mandela that fueled the latest round of criticism.
The Duchess recounted an encounter at a function for "The Lion King" in 2019, where a cast member, recognizing her as a symbol, drew a parallel between her marriage into the royal family and the jubilation surrounding Mandela's release from prison.
Critics on social media labeled Markle as an "opportunist," questioning the appropriateness of likening herself to a figure of Mandela's stature. In response to these sentiments, Mandela's grandson underscored the profound difference between marrying into royalty and Mandela's historic achievements.
He urged individuals aspiring to be like Mandela to thoroughly understand and advocate for the values he championed, emphasizing the need for genuine dedication to Mandela's legacy rather than superficial comparisons.
