Miriam Margolyes, a name synonymous with grace and understated elegance, left viewers astounded during a recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show with her scathing critique of Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex.
This outburst, considered her most controversial yet, saw the Harry Potter star not only labeling Meghan as very rude but also questioning the existence of the couple's children. Her remarks sent shockwaves through the entertainment world and sparked intense debate.
The incendiary comments emerged when Margolyes, typically known for her mild demeanor, was asked about her thoughts on the current state of the British royal family. Responding with a wry chuckle, she said, "Oh goodness, where do I even begin? The Royals are certainly keeping us all on our toes these days, aren't they?" Sensing an opportunity for juicy sound bites, the interviewer pressed Margolyes to elaborate.
"Well, I have to say I'm not terribly impressed with Meghan Markle," Margolyes began, her voice taking on an uncharacteristically stern tone. "I've met her a few times, you see, and I'm afraid I found her to be very rude, almost offhand if you know what I mean." The audience gasped, stunned by Margolyes' willingness to publicly criticize a member of the royal family so bluntly. Known for her roles in beloved films like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and The Age of Innocence, the usually mild-mannered actress had just unleashed a verbal grenade, leaving the audience reeling.
But the outspoken actress wasn't finished. "And you know, I have to say I rather doubt the existence of those children of hers," she continued, eliciting gasps of disbelief from the crowd. "I mean, have you ever actually seen them? Putting aside the fact that I've never seen Meghan exhibit any maternal instinct whatsoever, I just find the whole thing a bit suspicious, to be honest." The studio fell silent, the air thick with a mixture of shock and disbelief. Margolyes, seemingly unfazed by the stunned reaction, continued her tirade, her voice laced with a hint of disdain. "It's all very convenient, isn't it? These children appear on the scene just in time to generate some positive PR for the royal family. It all reeks of a rather cynical publicity stunt if you ask me."
Norton, visibly taken aback by the actress's incendiary remarks, attempted to steer the conversation in a different direction, perhaps hoping to salvage the interview and avoid further controversy. But Margolyes was having none of it. "Oh come on, Graham," she scoffed. "You can't tell me you haven't noticed how conveniently those children seem to have appeared on the scene just in time to generate some positive PR for the royal family. I mean, honestly, it all reeks of a rather cynical publicity stunt if you ask me." The audience erupted into a chorus of shocked murmurs, with some even voicing their disapproval of Margolyes' comments. Undeterred, the actress continued, her face set in a resolute expression.
"Let's not forget how Meghan has treated her own family," Margolyes added, her voice dripping with disdain. "Cutting them out of her life, refusing to acknowledge them publicly—it's just appalling behavior if you ask me. No wonder they've been so vocal in their criticism of her." As the segment drew to a close, Norton attempted to steer the conversation in a more positive direction, praising Margolyes for her candor and noting that her views, though controversial, were undoubtedly sincere.
But the damage had already been done. Social media quickly became ablaze with reactions to the actress's explosive comments. Some praised Margolyes for her willingness to speak her mind, while others denounced her remarks as nothing more than unsubstantiated gossip. Predictably, Meghan's most ardent supporters were outraged, with many accusing the actress of engaging in a calculated smear campaign against the Duchess. For her part, Margolyes remained unrepentant, telling reporters backstage that she had no regrets about her comments and stood by every word. "I'm not one to mince my words, and if I believe something to be true, I'm going to say it," she declared defiantly. "Meghan Markle may be a lot of things, but in my experience, genuine and sincere are certainly not among them."
Only time will tell how this latest royal controversy will play out, but one thing is certain: Miriam Margolyes has firmly cemented her reputation as one of the most outspoken and unapologetic celebrities in the business. And if the past is any indication, this won't be the last time the veteran actress finds herself at the center of a media firestorm.
