Meghan Markle appears to have revealed her reputation as an ultimate control enthusiast, sparking fresh debate about her approach to public engagement and social media.
In a recent analysis by royal expert Phil Dampier, her actions were labeled as reflective of a "massive control freak" tendency. His comments, published in The Sun, highlight concerns about the Duchess of Sussex’s meticulous management of her public image, particularly regarding her re-entry into the social media sphere.
Dampier began by asserting, “There’s no question that Harry and Meghan are control freaks. Posting that teaser on Instagram, with such restrictive settings, seems to be Meghan’s way of keeping a tight grip on interactions.”
The first video, which marked her return to the platform, has raised eyebrows due to its lack of meaningful content and the decision to disable comments. According to Dampier, this move is emblematic of a broader attempt by the Sussexes to "control the narrative" surrounding their lives. “By preventing public comments, she ensures there’s no dialogue or backlash, which says a lot about how thin-skinned they are,” he pointed out.
This shift is particularly noteworthy in light of Meghan’s past remarks about online harassment. She previously described herself as “the most trolled person in the world,” referencing the intense scrutiny and vitriol she experienced. Dampier reflected on this history, noting, “Given her own words about online abuse, it’s understandable that she’d want to avoid negative comments. However, this level of control suggests deeper issues with managing public perception.”
Despite these concerns, Dampier speculated that Meghan’s return to social media contradicts her previous aversions. “I think she craves the platform and the influence it offers, even while acknowledging its downsides,” he remarked. “Her fascination with media and public image has been a persistent theme throughout her journey as a public figure.”
In his broader critique, Dampier suggested that the couple’s media obsession has become one of their defining challenges. “If they could let go of the need to micromanage everything and simply ignore the noise, they might discover more fulfilling ways to use their time and energy,” he mused.
Concluding his remarks, the commentator observed, “Unfortunately, this relentless pursuit of control has brought them to where they are now. It’s a reflection of their inability to disengage from public opinion, and this Instagram teaser is just another piece of the puzzle.”