Meghan Markle seems determined to deepen the divide between Prince Harry and his family, extending beyond his immediate relatives to the broader British royal family, including King Charles and Prince William.
Their latest move involves a dual interview on CBS, marking their first media appearance since the infamous Oprah Winfrey interview. Scheduled to air on Sunday morning, the CBS interview will cover topics such as online cyberbullying. However, there are questions regarding the couple's expertise in these areas, with Prince Harry's commentary on being a first responder particularly baffling to many. This attempt to shift public perception comes at a time when the couple faces widespread fatigue and skepticism.
Reportedly, Meghan Markle was the driving force behind the decision to go with CBS. This choice is controversial given the network's history with the British Monarchy. In 2004, CBS aired a documentary showing the dying moments of Princess Diana, a move met with significant backlash from Diana's family, including her brother Charles Spencer. The fact that Harry and Meghan chose this network despite its contentious history raises eyebrows. Every question in the CBS interview was preapproved, ensuring that nothing was left to chance. This level of control contrasts sharply with other networks like NBC, Fox, and ABC, which refused to submit to such constraints. Consequently, the interview is expected to be a puff piece devoid of any challenging questions.
Meghan Markle's calculated approach is perceived as an attempt to present herself and Harry in the most favorable light. However, this decision has drawn criticism for its lack of authenticity and for potentially further alienating Harry from his family. The choice of CBS, given its past actions involving Princess Diana, is seen as particularly insensitive. Diana's death remains a deeply emotional and significant event for her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, as well as for her extended family. By opting for CBS, Harry and Meghan are further straining their relationships with these family members. Prince Harry's recent efforts to maintain supportive relationships with Diana's family, including his uncle Charles Spencer and his aunts, seem undermined by this decision. The interview on CBS could be seen as another wedge in an already tense and fragile relationship.
Meghan's role in orchestrating this interview underscores her influence over the couple's public relations strategies. Her knowledge of Princess Diana's life and her apparent admiration for Diana's legacy add another layer to this narrative. Some observers speculate that Meghan's actions are driven by a desire to emulate Diana, while others view it as a self-centered move to dominate public discourse. Adding to the ongoing drama, reports suggest that Prince Harry may forgo attending the funeral of his uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, amid the continuing royal family tensions.
Lord Fellowes, married to Lady Jane Spencer, Princess Diana's sister, passed away at the age of 82 due to undisclosed causes. He served as Queen Elizabeth II's private secretary for nine critical years, from 1990 to 1999. A former friend of Prince Harry told The Daily Beast, "The death will be a huge blow to the Spencer family. In normal times, it would be unimaginable that Harry would not be there to support Jane. Of course, he'd want to be there. It will be a huge gathering of the Spencer clan, but these are not normal times, and it may well be that everyone feels Harry's attendance would just create too much drama. It will be very sad for him if he can't make it."
This ongoing saga highlights the complexities and emotional challenges faced by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as they navigate their roles both within and outside the royal family. The choices they make continue to have significant ramifications, not only for their personal lives but also for their relationships with both the British public and their extended family.
