For those unfamiliar, Doria Ragland is Meghan Markle's mother.
She has maintained a more reserved presence in Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's lives since they became senior royals. Residing in Los Angeles, Doria hasn't been as active in the royal scene compared to other royal in-laws. However, recent events suggest tensions have reached a boiling point behind closed doors.
To set the scene, last weekend, Meghan and Harry were in New York City attending a gala event for one of their charities. These types of charity galas are prime opportunities for networking and connecting with donors and supporters. Meghan was certainly looking to charm and secure funding for her causes. Unbeknownst to her, her mother, Doria, was also present at the event.
Reports indicate that relations between Meghan and Doria have been strained since Meghan married into the royal family. Rumors have circulated that Meghan hasn't made as much time for her mother as Doria had hoped, given Meghan's duties as a senior royal and her residence abroad in the UK. The tension seemed to culminate at this NYC gala event. Eyewitnesses reported that midway through the event, Meghan froze in horror upon spotting her mother Doria across the room, socializing and working the room just like Meghan.
Apparently, Doria had discreetly decided to attend the event to confront her daughter about the growing distance between them. When Doria made eye contact with Meghan from across the room, witnesses say Meghan turned pale. She realized a confrontation was imminent. Meghan desperately tried to avoid Doria, scurrying away into a back room, hoping her mother wouldn't follow. But follow she did. Doria cornered Meghan in a private lounge area at the back of the event.
Onlookers who overheard the heated exchange reported that Doria began calmly, asking Meghan why she hadn't returned her calls or visited in months. Meghan had no solid excuse and claimed she was busy with royal duties. This is when Doria lost her temper. She accused Meghan of always making excuses and being too busy mingling with A-list celebrities and royalty to bother with her own mother. Meghan tried to argue, but Doria was relentless. Doria then delivered a devastating blow, accusing Meghan of marrying into royalty for fame and luxury, and not caring about her family or her mother.
Witnesses say Meghan turned ashen at this accusation. She started crying and begging Doria not to believe that, but Doria wasn't finished. She listed all the ways Meghan had neglected her and the rest of the family since marrying Harry. By now, their shouting had drawn a crowd of onlookers, lingering by the lounge to witness the dramatic confrontation. Meghan was mortified to have her personal issues aired in public like this. She pleaded with Doria to move the conversation somewhere private, but Doria was unstoppable. She yelled that she was ashamed of the manipulative daughter Meghan had become and declared their relationship over unless Meghan started prioritizing her family again. With that, Doria stormed out, leaving Meghan sobbing on the lounge couch in shock.
The aftermath has been intense. Meghan was too distraught to finish the gala event and had to be escorted back to her hotel early. Word of the explosive argument quickly spread through charity circles. Royal watchers suggest this public falling-out could be disastrous for Meghan's efforts to rehabilitate her image in America. Many believe Doria's side of the story, feeling that Meghan has changed and lost touch with her roots since marrying into royalty.
So, where do things go from here? Meghan is reportedly desperate to repair her relationship with Doria and win back her trust. She is planning an emergency trip to Los Angeles this week to beg for forgiveness. However, sources close to Doria say she remains furious and doubts Meghan's sincerity after the confrontation. Only time will tell if their mother-daughter relationship can be salvaged or if this incident was the final straw for Doria. One thing is certain: this shocking public confrontation has significantly damaged Meghan's popularity in America and shed light on possible turmoil behind palace doors.
