The ever-controversial former royal is once again making headlines, and this time, she has been caught red-handed displaying behavior that many have long suspected. Meghan Markle, often dubbed the “Duchess of Freebies,” apparently couldn’t resist indulging in luxury designer goods—even after marrying into one of the wealthiest families in the world.
It seems almost unbelievable, yet according to royal author Tina Brown’s book The Palace Papers: Inside the House of Windsor—the Truth and the Turmoil, Meghan had a well-known reputation among luxury brand marketers for her eagerness to receive high-end designer gifts. What’s even more surprising is that this habit didn’t end when she married Prince Harry. While she was once a struggling actress, her apparent enthusiasm for free swag persisted well into her royal life.
While Catherine dedicated herself to fulfilling royal duties with grace and dignity, Meghan allegedly had her team reach out to publicists with the message, “Make sure she knows she can still send me anything—she’s always been one of the good ones.” If true, it speaks volumes about where her priorities lay. It brings to mind that one family member who attends weddings solely for the open bar and the party favors—someone who seems far more interested in what they can receive than what they can contribute. This revelation underscores the stark contrast between the working royals and the Montecito duo, who have repeatedly distanced themselves from traditional royal responsibilities.
Consider Catherine for a moment—has there ever been a report of her leveraging her position for personal gain? Has William ever been caught trying to use his title for special privileges? Of course not, because they understand that royalty is about service, duty, and representing something greater than themselves. Meghan and Harry, on the other hand, positioned themselves as global humanitarians, claiming they stepped away from royal life due to the restrictions it placed on their ability to make a difference. Yet, if these reports are to be believed, one of the so-called “constraints” Meghan struggled with was the possibility of missing out on complimentary designer bags.
When their wedding took place in 2018, there was a fleeting hope that Meghan would embrace her new role and use her platform to champion meaningful causes. Many believed she would support Harry in his efforts to make a real impact within the royal framework. However, that hope quickly faded. Marrying into the royal family is not just about gaining a spouse; it comes with immense responsibilities and a duty to serve the public. Catherine grasped this concept from the very beginning, taking the time to learn, respect, and honor the institution she joined. Today, she is admired across the world—a future queen who continues to carry herself with dignity, even in the face of personal health challenges. That is what true class looks like.
By contrast, if Tina Brown’s reporting is accurate, Meghan viewed the royal title as little more than a stepping stone to further her own celebrity status—a tool to secure greater influence, more attention, and, of course, luxury perks. The monarchy seemed to serve as little more than a resume boost, a convenient way to gain access to an even more lucrative lifestyle. It appears that instead of appreciating the honor of her position, she saw the royal family as a gateway to bigger and better perks—particularly when it came to designer swag.
The working royals, however, have remained steadfast in their commitment to meaningful causes. King Charles dedicated decades to environmental advocacy long before it became trendy. Queen Camilla has championed literacy and tirelessly worked to raise awareness about domestic violence. William and Catherine have made mental health a cornerstone of their initiatives, with Catherine also focusing on early childhood development. These efforts require genuine dedication, not just well-timed photo ops. In contrast, what have Harry and Meghan contributed since their dramatic departure? A Netflix documentary filled with complaints about life in palaces, an explosive Oprah interview that aired grievances while Prince Philip was hospitalized, a memoir that turned private family matters into a public spectacle, and now, allegations of lingering enthusiasm for free designer merchandise.
The signs were always there, weren’t they? The revolving door of palace staff, reports of demanding behavior, a lavish New York baby shower attended by celebrities—an unusual move for royals who typically keep such celebrations private. Meghan’s first year as a duchess reportedly came with a wardrobe price tag of $500,000. Now, Brown’s book suggests that Meghan struggled to resist all the perks available to her and that she and Harry were eager to establish a commercial arm of their activities. They certainly achieved that goal—Netflix deals, a now-defunct Spotify contract, high-priced speaking engagements, and Meghan’s new American Riviera Orchard brand. Every possible avenue to monetize their royal connection has been explored.
One of the most striking aspects of Brown’s reporting is the claim that Meghan gave Harry the tools to leave, guiding him into the world of agents, deals, and financial opportunities. This wasn’t Harry’s expertise, but with Meghan as his strategist, he chose to trust her above all other advisers. It’s a rather heartbreaking turn of events. Before Meghan, Harry had carved out his own meaningful role—his work with the Invictus Games genuinely helped wounded veterans, and his military career, by all accounts, was something he excelled at and deeply valued. He was navigating royal life, learning, growing, and maintaining strong ties with his family and country. Now, he appears increasingly isolated, a shadow of the person he once was, standing quietly behind his wife at Hollywood events, looking out of place and uncomfortable.
It is a modern tragedy—not just for Harry and Meghan, who may one day realize the weight of what they have given up, but for the monarchy, which deserved better than to be used as a launchpad for personal brand-building and luxury freebies. Yet, through it all, the working royals remain dedicated to their duties. Catherine, despite personal challenges, continues her work with poise. William supports both his wife and the monarchy with strength and resilience. King Charles and Queen Camilla uphold their responsibilities, even in the face of their own hardships. They embody the very essence of royal service—giving, not taking; duty, not personal gain; legacy, not fleeting celebrity.
And that is why so many continue to respect and admire the working royals, while shaking their heads at the missed opportunities and squandered potential of Harry and Meghan. The contrast couldn’t be clearer.
