From the moment it became public that Meghan Markle was dating Prince Harry, the spotlight never left her. Cameras followed her every move, yet some friends claim the Meghan we see publicly is carefully crafted. Ninaki Priddy, a childhood friend, described her as “calculated” in how she approaches relationships and opportunities. According to Priddy, Meghan always had big ambitions and loved attention. Growing up, she reportedly expressed dreams of fame and recognition—something that eventually came true when she stepped into the world of royalty. Critics argue that her public charm hides a more strategic and deliberate side, especially when it comes to navigating her career and personal relationships.
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Accusations of Being a Social Climber
Meghan’s estranged half-sister, Samantha Grant, has been vocal about her belief that Meghan’s rise to royalty wasn’t purely a romantic fairy tale. She has called Meghan a “social climber,” suggesting that she distanced herself from the family once fame was within reach. According to Samantha, Meghan’s ambition played a bigger role than love in her relationship with Harry. While such comments fuel public curiosity, they also raise questions about the reliability of family members who have been out of close contact for years. Still, the “social climber” label has stuck with Meghan in certain media narratives.
Her Father’s Financial Troubles
Before Meghan’s royal life, her father, Thomas Markle, enjoyed a successful career as a lighting director for shows like General Hospital and Married… With Children. But his later years tell a different story. In 2016, he filed for bankruptcy, citing minimal savings, credit card debt, and decades of unpaid taxes. Many believe his financial difficulties began after divorcing Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland. While Meghan’s life was on an upward trajectory, her father’s situation seemed to worsen, creating a stark contrast between their lifestyles and fueling ongoing tensions in the family.
The Wedding Heartbreak
Just days before Meghan’s wedding to Prince Harry, the news broke that her father wouldn’t be attending. Meghan released an official statement expressing sadness and concern for his health. Behind closed doors, however, sources say both Meghan and Harry were left in tears over the sudden development. The absence of her father from one of the most significant moments of her life only deepened the emotional strain between them, marking the start of a public family rift.
Staged Paparazzi Photos
One of the biggest pre-wedding scandals came when it was revealed that Thomas Markle had staged paparazzi photos. The images showed him preparing for the big day—getting fitted for a suit, reading up on British history—but reports later claimed they were planned and sold for profit. Initially, Thomas said he wouldn’t attend the wedding to avoid embarrassing the Royal Family. However, he later changed his mind, only to ultimately miss the event altogether. The staged-photo incident became a tabloid sensation and further strained father-daughter relations.
Sister’s Disability Dispute
Meghan’s half-sister, Samantha, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2008 and now uses a wheelchair. Samantha claims Meghan never publicly acknowledged her condition and has largely avoided discussing their relationship. The two share the same father but have different mothers and are 17 years apart in age. Given their limited contact over the years, some close to Meghan argue that their distance has more to do with their lack of a close bond than with Samantha’s disability. Still, Samantha often frames this silence as neglect.
Issues of Trust With Her Father
According to friends, Meghan’s trust in her father has been eroded by his willingness to speak publicly about their relationship. Her brother’s public statements have also been hurtful, but Meghan reportedly fears that private conversations with her father could be leaked to the media. One source explained, “If he’s spoken this much already, why wouldn’t he leak their conversation?” This lack of trust has made reconciliation even more difficult.
Her Brother’s Arrest
Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., has faced serious legal troubles. In addition to going through multiple divorces and declaring bankruptcy in 2013, he was arrested after allegedly holding a gun to his girlfriend’s head. He was charged with unlawful use of a dangerous weapon, menacing, and domestic violence. These incidents added to the media frenzy surrounding Meghan’s family and provided critics with more fodder to question the company she keeps.
Advice From Her Suits Co-Stars
When Meghan told her Suits castmates about her budding relationship with Prince Harry, reactions ranged from excitement to concern. Actor Rick Hoffman recalls warning her to “take it slow” and “be careful,” not wanting to see her hurt. While the cast was thrilled for her, they were also aware of Harry’s past reputation as a bit of a royal wild child. For Meghan, the support and cautious advice from her colleagues came just as her life was about to change forever.
The Divorce That Made Headlines
Before Harry, Meghan was married to Hollywood producer Trevor Engelson. The couple wed in 2011 but divorced in 2013, citing “irreconcilable differences.” Friends, including Ninaki Priddy, claimed Meghan’s career ambitions played a role in the split, as she was filming Suits in Canada while Trevor remained in Los Angeles. Others suggest the strain of long-distance married life was a major factor. The divorce became a talking point when Meghan’s engagement to Harry was announced, with some critics questioning her suitability for royal life.
“Bow to the Daddy” Controversy
In one of her more infamous statements, Samantha Grant said Meghan “should bow to the daddy,” criticizing her for not keeping in touch with their father. She accused Meghan of offering “fake waves and smiles” while ignoring the man who raised her. Samantha insisted her plea wasn’t an attack but an attempt to get Meghan to reconnect with her father, if only to let him know she’s well and happy.
Social Media Feuds With Samantha
Samantha has been active on social media, often making comments about Meghan that many perceive as public digs. While she insists her posts are “honest, open, and diplomatic opinions,” the language often comes across as critical. For example, she has called Meghan “arrogant and ignorant” and referred to Harry as a “wuss” for allowing the Duchess to allegedly mistreat her family. These online spats have contributed to the image of an irreparably fractured family dynamic.
Becoming a British Citizen
Marrying into the Royal Family doesn’t automatically make one a British citizen. Meghan had to undergo the official process, which included taking the ‘Life in the UK’ test. The exam, which costs £50, contains 24 multiple-choice questions drawn from around 3,000 possible facts about British culture, history, and society. To pass, she needed to answer at least 18 questions correctly. The process was a reminder that even amidst the glamour of royal life, there were still formal procedures to follow.
