Meghan’s “hypocritical” attempts to preserve her family’s privacy are driving a wedge between her and the Queen
The royal backlash is in full swing
She’s only been a member of the royal family for a year, but she’s already raised more eyebrows than the rest of the firm combined. And Meghan Markle once again caused outrage last week, after rejecting tradition and refusing to allow the public to witness baby Archie’s Christening, AND declining to reveal who his Godparents are, due to him being a “private citizen”.
Despite her plea for privacy, she managed to attended Wimbledon last week to watch her friend Serena Williams, and after news that her and Prince Harry’s new home is costing the taxpayer a whopping £2.4m, the couple have angered the public. There is now an online petition to stop public funding for her and Harry, and for Meghan to be stripped of her Duchess title due to
her “disrespectful” behaviour and willingness to accept taxpayers’ money, but not give anything back to them.
Even the Queen – who wasn’t set to attend the service in Windsor – was said to be baffled by their decision over the Christening. “Her Majesty was hoping William and Meghan would do the right thing by fans and taxpayers and share such a happy occasion with the world, like William and Kate did with their children,” says heat’s royal insider. “But Meghan and Harry insisted on keeping it private, rather than having the press outside to photograph the event.”
In fact, Meghan, 37, has pretty much thrown out the royal handbook since her firstborn arrived in May. Ignoring royal protocols, she and Harry, 34 – who last week attended the first Major League Baseball game ever played in London – refused to release details of the birth, and chose not to do the usual introductions on the hospital steps. It follows a tricky year of controversy for the new Duchess of Sussex – whose various family members have come out of the woodwork to give embarrassing interviews about the former TV star – and friends say she’s just had enough.
“Meghan was overwhelmed by the intensity of the scrutiny she received after she got pregnant,” says the source. “She doesn’t want her son feeling the
‘They don’t want Archie to feel like Harry did’
same pressure before he can even walk, and says he’s not public property. Harry also had to deal with a lot, growing up in the spotlight, and Meghan has decided they will never make Archie feel this.”
Unfortunately, Meghan’s bid for privacy could’ve been better timed, following the revelation last week that the public are paying for the revamp of the royal couple’s new home, Frogmore Cottage in Windsor. And after their £34m wedding just a year ago, many blasted the decision to keep the Christening private. But insiders say public opinion won’t change the minds of the protective new parents. “Meghan doesn’t seem to care that their caginess over Archie is stoking a backlash against them,” says the source. “She was thrilled to have an intimate ceremony with just close family and friends. She and Harry both argue that since Archie’s so far down the line to the throne, he has every right to a normal childhood, and to grow up as a private citizen if he so chooses.
“Palace staff are all too aware that this is frustrating to fans, but Meghan’s getting very good at ignoring advice from all sides – whether it’s from her personal assistants, her husband, or even the Queen herself.” n