The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have embarked on a significant royal visit to Malta, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence.
This visit has reignited public interest in Meghan Markle's previously discussed ties to the Mediterranean island. Her claims of Maltese ancestry have faced scrutiny, particularly in light of the current royal engagements led by Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie. In a 2015 interview on The Rachael Ray Show, Meghan Markle expressed her enthusiasm about visiting Malta, stating, "My great-great-great-grandmother is from Malta. I've never been, so I'm going with a genealogist." At that time, she was eager to explore the island and investigate her family roots.
Her itinerary included a luxurious hotel stay, a tour of a vineyard, and a local photo shoot organized by the Maltese tourist board. Additionally, she was reportedly commissioned to write an article about her experiences for Elle Magazine. In a blog post on her now-defunct lifestyle site, The Tig, Meghan elaborated on her fascination with Malta, explaining, “When I was asked to go to Malta to not only discover the beautiful island but also the land from which my great-grandmother hailed, I said yes without hesitation. It’s Malta—a beautiful jewel of an island nestled in the Mediterranean between Sicily, Tunisia, and Libya.”
However, subsequent genealogical investigations revealed a less significant connection than Meghan initially suggested. Her great-great-grandmother, Mary Bird, had only a brief connection to Malta, having lived there temporarily in the mid-19th century before moving to Canada. This revelation raises questions about the authenticity of Meghan's narrative, as it suggests that her assertion of embarking on a personal journey to reconnect with her Maltese heritage was somewhat embellished.
In stark contrast, Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie’s current visit to Malta highlights the island’s rich history and enduring ties with the United Kingdom, celebrating the very heritage that Meghan once claimed to explore. Upon their arrival, they acknowledged Malta's significant role in the royal family’s history, notably the time spent there by the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip as newlyweds, making this visit particularly poignant. The royal couple commenced their tour by officially opening the Submariners Walkway in Valletta, a tribute to Malta's maritime history. Duchess Sophie dazzled in a vibrant orange floral midi skirt paired with a chic white blouse, embodying the elegance expected of royal engagements. Their itinerary is packed with meaningful activities that underscore the shared heritage between Malta and the UK, transforming the visit from a mere ceremonial obligation into a celebration of lasting connections.
On October 7th, Buckingham Palace announced the four-day trip to Malta, detailing the significance of the visit. The British High Commission for Malta provided updates via social media, showcasing the couple’s warm reception by President Miriam Spiteri Debono at the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta. The couple was also greeted by Prime Minister Robert Abela and his wife, Lydia, at the historic Auberge de Castille, further highlighting the importance of this royal visit.
As the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh immerse themselves in Malta’s vibrant culture and history, the contrast with Meghan Markle's earlier claims becomes strikingly apparent. While the royal couple engages in authentic celebrations of heritage, Meghan’s narrative appears increasingly exaggerated. This juxtaposition raises important discussions about the nature of heritage, authenticity, and how personal stories can be shaped and perceived in the public eye.
Ultimately, the current royal visit to Malta by Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie not only celebrates the island’s rich history but also sheds light on the discrepancies in Meghan Markle’s previous claims regarding her Maltese heritage. As royal fans watch the couple’s genuine engagement with the Maltese people, lingering questions arise about the validity of Meghan Markle’s narrative and the complexities surrounding claims of ancestral connections.
