People magazine has officially reached its 50th anniversary, marking a major milestone in its legacy of pop culture coverage.
To celebrate, the publication has featured a selection of Hollywood’s most iconic figures on the cover, including Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Aniston, and Michael J. Fox. Notably absent from this illustrious lineup is Meghan Markle, the Duchess of "I’m Not a Victim." Instead, People chose to grace the cover with a corgi wearing a crown—a charming nod to royal tradition, perhaps implying that even the loyal pet outshines Markle in public favor. Alongside the corgi, stars like Drew Barrymore, Viola Davis, Dwayne Johnson, Nicole Kidman, John Legend, Matthew McConaughey, and Reese Witherspoon made the cut, each of whom has garnered fame without resorting to dramatic tell-all interviews or seeking constant validation.
This selection stands in stark contrast to Meghan Markle, who seems to have once again been sidelined. The magazine’s choice of a corgi as a symbol of royal heritage over the Duchess speaks volumes about her current standing in the media landscape. Markle, whose public image has often been entwined with controversy and claims of victimhood, now finds herself outshined by a canine sporting a crown. It’s almost as though People magazine is sending a message: the corgi, with its endearing association with the late Queen Elizabeth II, has more royal credibility than Meghan at this point.
One can’t help but wonder if People magazine has finally tired of supporting the "Meghan Markle fan club." The Duchess’s constant need for attention and validation seems to have worn thin, and when she likely reached out to request a spot on the prestigious cover, the magazine responded with a diplomatic but clear, “That won’t be necessary.” This snub becomes even more intriguing when considering that Oprah Winfrey, a once-vocal supporter of Meghan, didn’t come to her defense either. Reports have surfaced suggesting that Oprah, who famously interviewed Meghan and Prince Harry in 2021, has become increasingly disillusioned with the Duchess after further investigation into her claims.
During their interview, Meghan alleged that Palace officials ignored her pleas for help when she was struggling with suicidal thoughts during her pregnancy. However, Oprah’s team, eager to verify these statements, reportedly found no formal requests for help. Additionally, palace insiders hinted that it was actually Meghan, not Catherine, the Princess of Wales, who left Catherine in tears before the royal wedding, supposedly over a disagreement regarding Princess Charlotte’s dress fitting. These inconsistencies have cast doubt on Meghan’s victim narrative, and as Oprah unraveled this web of contradictions, she is said to have felt more like a pawn in Meghan’s game than a supportive friend.
The once-warm friendship between Oprah and Meghan allegedly cooled after a heated phone call in which Oprah confronted her about the discrepancies. The situation became even more complex when Meghan and Harry announced their multi-million-dollar deals with Netflix and Spotify, contracts reportedly worth over $100 million. These deals were announced shortly after the hype from the interview began to fade, leading some to question the timing and authenticity of Meghan’s public revelations. Oprah must have felt blindsided, realizing that her platform had been used as a stepping stone in Meghan's climb to greater fame.
In hindsight, Oprah may regret giving Meghan such a significant platform without thoroughly fact-checking her claims. What initially appeared to be a powerful narrative of struggle and triumph has now left Oprah’s reputation entangled in Meghan’s drama. The irony is hard to miss—Meghan’s strategy for self-promotion has not only damaged her own credibility but has also cast a shadow on Oprah’s own brand. Once a staunch ally, Oprah now seems to join the ranks of those questioning whether Meghan is truly the victim she portrays herself to be.
Meanwhile, as Meghan Markle continues her quest for relevance, it seems a corgi in a crown has stolen the spotlight. Who needs a duchess when you’ve got an adorable, crowned corgi charming the world?
