Almost a quarter of a century after Princess Diana, the People’s Princess,  revealed to the press the sordid details of life as a member of the British Royal Family, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has indulged in a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey.

 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, stepped down as senior members of the royal family of Britain in March 2020 due to racist attacks and unjust criticism targeted towards the Duchess. A semblance of history repeating itself seems to be apparent in the parallels drawn between these powerhouse women– from a constant barrage of criticism from the media to isolation and neglect from the most powerful family in Britain.

 

In the interview with Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry disclosed that the choice to depart from life as a royal seemed to be the only possible way to rescue his wife and son from the same horrors that claimed the life of his mother, Princess Diana. Further, he stated that it became conspicuous when he noticed the similarities between the treatment of his mother and his wife in the tabloids, hence claiming that the treatment of Meghan was “far more dangerous” as a direct result of the abhorrent added element of racism and ubiquity of social media.

 

“They [the royal family] were willing to lie to protect other members of the family, but they weren’t willing, to tell the truth, to protect me and my husband.” ~ Meghan Markle  

 

With the statement above, Meghan is most likely referring to the lies fabricated by the palace to defend Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, in the face of his sexual abuse allegations. Hence, drawing a contrast to the utter lack of response and support from the royal family when the media twisted the narrative by circulating a rumor about Meghan bullying palace staff. The attacks from the global media were met with zero retaliation from the palace, thus leaving both Diana and Meghan defenseless and isolated. People around the world have slammed the Royal Family for being so harsh on Meghan Markle, while going soft on Prince Andrew, who faces allegations of sexual assault, along with ties with the American hedge fund mogul Jeffrey Epstein.

 

Furthermore, Meghan Markle shockingly revealed that there were “concerns and conversations about how dark his [Archie’s] skin might be when he’s born” which puts forth the apparent racism persisting within the royal family of Britain. Correspondingly, people around the world have expressed their outrage at these revelations, however, some have acknowledged the unsurprising nature of these racist remarks coming from a family with a history of colonization, thievery, and slavery. 

 

“I’ve advocated for women for so long to use their voice and then I was silent.” ~ Meghan Markle

“Were you silent or silenced?” ~ Oprah Winfrey

“The latter.” ~ Meghan Markle

 

Additionally, the catastrophic failures of this archaic royal institution that refuses to break free from old patterns of oppression and cruelty are echoed in the silence that Diana’s and Meghan’s hopeless pleas for help were confronted with. Meghan divulged the full extent of her pain by delving into her mental health struggles of desolation and suicide as a royal wife. Thereafter, reminding the world of Lady Diana’s tragic struggles with bulimia and depression that sought to consume her during her time as a member of the royal family.

 

However, one key difference between Princess Diana and Meghan Markle seems to be the love in their marriages. While Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s marriage fell apart because it was tainted with betrayal and jealousy, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relationship seems to be strong and magical. While Charles cheated on Diana with his now-wife, Camilla Parker Bowles, Harry fiercely protects Meghan and their son Archie with no reservations about how it may be perceived by his family. While Charles chose silence and ignorance in a time of need and action, Harry chose to sit right next to Meghan in a royally revealing interview that shook the world.

 

Two women decades apart with the power to make or break the British Monarchy. The royal family chose to let history repeat itself by not learning from Lady Diana’s tragedy; instead of embracing Meghan’s beauty and kindness, they let ignorance and pride get in the way of progress and prosperity.

 

Let it be known that Meghan asked for help.

Just like Diana.

She was refused help.

Just. Like. Diana.

​

Written By: Jiya Kathuria

Edited By: Aarushi Bansal

Designed By: Siya Mehra