Meghan Markle was reportedly less than pleased upon hearing about Graydon Carter’s latest quip. The former Vanity Fair editor, known for his razor-sharp wit, delivered a five-word critique of the Duchess that sent shockwaves through her Montecito mansion.
In a recent interview with Interview magazine, Carter was asked for his thoughts on Meghan Markle, to which he simply replied: "The Undine Spragg of Montecito." For those unfamiliar with classic literature, Undine Spragg is the cunning and insatiable social climber from Edith Wharton’s The Custom of the Country. She is ambitious, manipulative, and relentless in her pursuit of wealth, status, and influence—traits that some have suggested align a little too well with Meghan’s own public persona. Apparently, the comparison struck a nerve, as reports suggest Meghan reacted with theatrical outrage, allegedly hurling a plate across the room in frustration.
Carter is no stranger to the world of high society and media, so his remark wasn’t just a passing insult—it was an astute observation. Undine Spragg was notorious for jumping from one wealthy husband to another, constantly reinventing herself while leaving chaos in her wake. With just five words, Carter encapsulated Meghan’s image in the public eye: a relentless social climber who seems bewildered by the fact that the world isn’t falling at her feet. While Meghan may have hoped to be seen as a modern-day Princess Diana, it appears that more and more people are drawing comparisons between her and a literary anti-heroine rather than a beloved royal figure.
To make matters worse, Carter’s remark comes at a time when Meghan’s latest ventures are floundering. The Archewell Audio deal collapsed, her Netflix projects were widely mocked, and every announcement about her supposed upcoming work has been met with skepticism. Meanwhile, her husband, Prince Harry, looms on the horizon with the ever-present threat of another tell-all book that could further air out royal secrets.
Social media erupted with glee at Carter’s pointed comparison. Fans of The Custom of the Country praised the literary reference, with some calling it “brilliant” and others dubbing Meghan “Redux Spragg” for what they see as her habit of recycling ideas. Even literary purists, typically uninterested in royal drama, couldn’t help but admire the accuracy of the analogy.
So, what’s next for Montecito’s very own Undine Spragg? More rebrands, more ill-fated business ventures, and more strategically staged paparazzi walks seem inevitable. One thing is certain—if Meghan’s reaction to Carter’s comment was as explosive as rumored, she may need to brace herself, because the comparison isn’t going away anytime soon.
