Meghan Markle has once again found herself at the center of controversy, and this time, she has reportedly angered none other than Princess Anne.
When the no-nonsense Princess Royal takes issue with something, you can be sure it's serious. So, what has happened now? It appears that Meghan, despite claiming to have distanced herself from royal life, still clings to the prestige of her former title. The latest incident involves her sending a handwritten letter, complete with her royal monogram, to an influencer who had criticized her new Netflix cooking show. Signing off with "With love, Meghan," the move has left many stunned.
The audacity of using a royal monogram after everything she and Harry have said and done against the monarchy is truly remarkable. It’s akin to quitting a job in dramatic fashion, publicly trashing the company, and then still using the company’s letterhead for personal gain. The hypocrisy is glaring, and if anyone was going to call it out, it was bound to be Princess Anne. Known for her unwavering dedication, Anne completed over 400 royal engagements last year alone. While she typically keeps her opinions private, sources suggest she is deeply frustrated with Meghan’s continued use of royal connections while simultaneously criticizing the institution.
Princess Anne embodies duty and service, having devoted decades to her role without seeking attention or indulging in drama. She simply gets the job done, in stark contrast to Meghan and Harry’s approach, which often appears focused on public relations and personal branding. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams aptly described Meghan’s actions as hypocritical, pointing out that she seeks to benefit from royal status whenever it suits her while claiming independence from the monarchy. The royal monogram isn’t just a decorative emblem—it symbolizes an institution that Meghan and Harry have repeatedly spoken against.
This situation is reminiscent of that one friend who dramatically exits a group chat, declaring they’re done, only to keep checking in to see if anyone is talking about them. Meghan and Harry left royal life behind, but they can’t seem to resist reminding the world of their royal ties. And then there’s the cooking show—"With Love, Meghan." Watching clips, it’s impossible not to compare it to the warmth and authenticity of Catherine’s Christmas special with Mary Berry. That was a genuine display of connection and tradition, whereas Meghan’s effort feels like another PR attempt at image rehabilitation.
What makes this all the more frustrating is the timing. As King Charles and Catherine bravely face their respective battles with cancer, one would hope for sensitivity and restraint. Yet, Meghan appears undeterred, continuing to use royal branding while the monarchy carries on its duties amidst personal hardships. Princess Anne has long been protective of the monarchy, understanding that it’s about service rather than personal fame. Seeing someone who rejected those responsibilities still attempting to benefit from them would understandably leave her frustrated.
Anne has seen it all before, having lived through the tumultuous Diana years and the fallout from individuals using the monarchy for personal gain. Unlike others, she has remained steadfast in her duty, making choices that prioritize family and service over spectacle. She was even offered titles for her children, Peter and Zara, but declined them, allowing them a life free from royal constraints without making a media spectacle of it. Contrast this with Meghan and Harry, who demanded privacy yet continuously share grievances in the media. They insist on royal titles for their children, Archie and Lilibet, despite publicly distancing themselves from the monarchy.
Speaking of their children, isn’t it curious how little the public has seen of them? For a couple that shares so much when it suits their narrative, they’ve been remarkably secretive about their own family life. Prince Louis, in comparison, has shown more personality in his rare public appearances than Archie and Lilibet combined. It raises questions about their selective approach to publicity.
The use of a royal monogram is not a minor issue—it represents an official position within the monarchy. Meghan continuing to use it while rejecting royal duties sends a clear message: she wants the prestige without the responsibility. One can only imagine Princess Anne’s frustration, having dedicated her life to royal service, witnessing someone exploit the institution for personal benefit. It’s akin to taking credit for a group project after contributing nothing and then publicly criticizing it.
The timing of this latest move is telling. Just as William and Catherine slowly resume their public appearances following Catherine’s treatment, and as King Charles continues to fulfill his royal duties despite his own health challenges, Meghan re-emerges with yet another attention-grabbing moment. The pattern is predictable—almost laughable—if it weren’t so disrespectful to the working royals.
What’s most infuriating is the double standard. If Catherine had sent a personal note to someone who criticized her, Meghan’s supporters would accuse her of silencing dissent. Yet when Meghan does the same, complete with a royal monogram she supposedly no longer identifies with, there’s silence—or even praise. Princess Anne, in contrast, avoids such theatrics. She is straightforward, committed, and uninterested in public validation. She doesn’t seek applause or admiration—she simply does her duty with dignity and class.
