Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, had the potential to positively impact the Royal Family’s public image if given a fair chance, according to Royal expert Jennie Bond. Markle, who stepped down as a royal in 2020 along with Prince Harry, was seen as a refreshing presence within the institution when she first joined.
In an interview with prettyBond reflected on what Meghan could have brought to the Royal Family. “Meghan could have been a great credit to the royal family – she is an independent, outspoken woman with her own career, her own thoughts, her own charities and causes,” Bond explained. He praised Meghan’s strengths, highlighting her experience and passion for various charitable causes, which could have aligned well with a modern monarchy.
Bond went on to suggest that Meghan’s unique qualities and perspectives might have been exactly what the monarchy needed to remain relevant and connected to a diverse global audience. “She could have been exactly what a modern monarchy needs,” Bond added, emphasizing the potential Meghan had to bring new perspectives and fresh energy to the institution.
However, Bond also noted that the Royal Family might not have handled Meghan’s integration as carefully as it should have. “I think the monarchy didn’t act as carefully as they should have,” he said, hinting that a more thoughtful approach might have better supported Meghan’s transition to royal life.
Despite the initial promise, Bond acknowledged that Meghan’s strong personality and independent mindset may have contributed to friction within the royal household. “But Meghan is, in every way, a bit of a diva,” Bond observed. “He didn’t like what he saw and he didn’t like having his wings clipped.”
This assessment points to the cultural and institutional challenges Meghan faced when joining the Royal Family. While she brought with her a history of advocacy, public speaking and charitable work, her desire for autonomy and resistance to the more traditional aspects of royal duties may have clashed with the expectations placed on her.
Meghan’s decision to step away from royal life, along with Prince Harry, has sparked widespread debate about the future of the monarchy and how it handles the change. Many, like Bond, believe Meghan could have played a pivotal role in modernizing the institution if circumstances had been different.
As the Sussexes continue to build their lives outside the Royal Family, questions remain about what would have been if Meghan’s strengths had been fully utilized. Bond’s insights suggest that, despite the controversies, Meghan’s potential to be a transformative figure in the monarchy still remains a food for thought.