The British monarchy is steeped in tradition and becoming a member of the thousand-year-old institution inevitably involves some sacrifices. Royal Family members are expected to behave in certain ways and relinquish some freedoms. When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in May 2018 she gave up her acting career and her home in Toronto, a decision which she ultimately came to regret, a royal biographer has claimed.
Author and royal expert Sally Bedell Smith has written several royal biographies including ones on Princess Diana, Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth II.
In her view, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s decision to step back from the fold was in part fuelled by Meghan’s wish to reclaim the freedoms of her old life.
Ms Bedell Smith told Vanity Fair: “In entering the Royal Family, which provides innumerable advantages and perks in exchange for doing official duties and charitable work, you really have to renounce a lot of things that may have meant a lot to you and dedicate yourself to an institution that’s 1,000 years old.
“It may be that Meghan didn’t see it in those terms.”
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According to Ms Bedell Smith, Meghan was an exceptionally modern, member of the Firm when compared to other royal wives.
She added: “It is the 21st century, and she was highly unusual in having been a successful professional woman who was putting aside that whole part of her life [to marry Harry].”
Ms Bedell Smith believes Meghan found life in the Royal Family “didn’t compare” with the independent life she had been used to.
She said: “It seems now that she really regrets having had to give that up, and what she was expected to do in the Royal Family didn’t compare with what she had been accustomed to.”
Meghan is by no means the first royal who had to give up a career in order to serve the Crown.
The Queen’s husband Prince Philip famously sacrificed his budding career as a naval officer in order to serve his wife.
Ms Bedell Smith added: “Prince Philip had to give up his career in the navy, and it was a sacrifice for him.
“He could’ve gone right up the line and become an admiral because he had great leadership qualities, but he gave that up. He really had to.”
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She added: “He was already married, but he knew he would have to.”
Meghan and Harry’s step down as senior royals means they are now free to pursue their own income.
However, it seems unlikely Meghan will ever return to acting.
While the couple will no longer officially represent the Queen they will still be expected to behave in a way which honours her values.
Meghan and Harry’s bid to trademark their Sussex Royal brand has encountered opposition at the first hurdle.
An Australian doctor has lodged a complaint against their trademark application which has caused it to be delayed and could result in legal action.
Meghan and Harry hope to use the Sussex Royal name for their charitable foundation which is due to launch this year.
If they manage to get it trademarked they will also be able to sell a range of Sussex Royal branded merchandise including hoodies and pens.
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