Less than two weeks before she becomes part of the British royal family, it seems that her own family is intent on stirring up trouble. But will this Meghan Markle controversy mar this soon-to-be royal’s reputation? Or is this just a case of a family squabble gone out of hand?
Meghan Markle Controversy: Estranged Siblings Attempt to Defame Her
Preparing for a wedding can be stressful enough. But when it comes to a highly publicised one, the pressure can be unbelievable. The upcoming royal nuptials, slated for May 19, is expected be the fairy tale wedding of the year. But the weeks leading up to it have been anything but smooth sailing.
As it turns out, there are those who remain unconvinced that Meghan Markle is a good match for the beloved redhead royal. And to make matters worse, these haters are members of her own family.
“I’m confused why you don’t see the real Meghan that the whole world now sees…”
Less than a month before the wedding, her half-brother Thomas Jr. reportedly went so far as to write a letter to Prince Harry, calling Meghan a “jaded, shallow, conceited woman.”
“I’m confused why you don’t see the real Meghan that the whole world now sees,” he wrote in the letter, reports The Straits Times. “Meghan’s attempt to act the part of a princess like a below C average Hollywood actress is getting old.”
He also called Prince Harry’s decision to marry her the “biggest mistake in royal wedding history.” He then criticised Meghan for not inviting her own dad to the wedding, who paid off her past debts and helped her greatly in the past.
Half-Sister Criticises, But Ultimately Defends Her
Meghan’s 52-year-old estranged half-sister Samantha has told tabloids that Meghan was “pushy and had always wanted to be princess.” She also fired back at Harry for claiming the royals will be like the family “Meghan never had.” Samantha defended their father, saying he sacrificed a lot to give Meghan a good life.
Despite this, she has ultimately shown her support for the royal pair.
To her credit, she fired back at their brother Thomas Jr.’s claims, saying that “no one was estranged. [Meghan] was just too busy.”
But the rest of Markle’s family have been largely supportive. Her nephew Tyler and his mum Tracey congratulated the couple in an interview with Good Morning Britain.
“I don’t think we are going to get the invitations–and that’s fine,” said Tracey. “We’re okay with that, still supporting her on. We’re so proud of her.”
Both Her Parents Have Been Given Vital Roles at the Upcoming Royal Wedding Ceremony
Contrary to what her half-brother claimed, the couple have invited Meghan’s dad Thomas Markle to the wedding. In fact, he will be walking his daughter down the aisle, says another Straits Times report.
Meghan’s parents, Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland, divorced when she was six years old. She grew up very close to her mom, who worked as a yoga instructor and social worker.
Prior to their engagement, The New York Times says Prince Harry had asked Doria Ragland for her daughter’s hand in marriage. But he will be meeting Markle’s dad for the first time one week before the wedding.
Starting a New Tradition
During the wedding, they will be doing away with the tradition that the bride’s father will bring her to the church and walk her down the aisle. Instead, her mum and dad will split duties. Mum Doria will be accompanying her daughter to the chapel, where her father Thomas will walk her down the aisle.
“On the morning of the wedding, Ms Ragland will travel with Ms Markle by car to Windsor Castle,” Jason Knauf, Harry’s Communications Secretary confirms to the Straits Times. “Mr Markle will walk his daughter down the aisle of St George’s Chapel.”
We can’t wait to see the picture-perfect couple exchange vows! But a wedding is just the beginning. More than the union of two people, it is also the merging of families. In this case, two very different worlds are coming together.
We hope that whatever misunderstandings within the family can be resolved eventually. Because, royal or not, the lasting bond of family is what truly matters at the end of the day.
Sources: The Straits Times, The New York Times, Town and Country
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