Meghan Markle accused of being ‘obsessed’ with the royal family
Meghan Markle has been accused of remaining “obsessed” with the royal family and exploiting her royal connections for commercial gain, after new criticism erupted over her continued use of aristocratic titles and brand names linked to the monarchy.
If RadarOnline.com was among the first to report that the Duchess of Sussex, 44, stepped back from frontline royal duties with her husband Prince Harry, 41, in 2020 before moving to California, where the couple have since pursued media deals, business ventures and celebrity partnerships while raising their two children.
But the debate over Markle’s relationship with royal titles flared up again recently after Sky News presenter Samara Gill claimed the former To take actress was fixated on attempting to leverage royal associations as part of her growing commercial empire.
The criticism follows the controversy earlier this year surrounding a gift basket Markle reportedly sent to a podcast host with a card reading: “With the compliments of HRH, Duchess of Sussex.”
Gill made the comments during an appearance on the podcast Danica goes global alongside host Danica De Giorgio, where the pair discussed reports that Markle hoped to revive the use of a “Princess” title linked to her marriage to the royal family.
Gill said: “I think she does want the validation, but she also wants to continue to enforce the royal titles, and I think that has been one of the most devastating and heartbreaking things for the royal family to have to witness: the fact that she secretly used some of the titles in letterheads, and then they found out.”
She added: “She’s obsessed with the royal family, and she’s obsessed… with the money grab she can make from it.”
A royal insider told us there is growing frustration within palace circles over what some see as Markle’s continued reliance on royal associations, despite her publicly distancing herself from the institution.
The source said: “Some people associated with the monarchy believe Meghan wants all the glamour, symbolism and commercial power that comes with royal status, without accepting the constraints, obligations and controls that come with royal duty itself. Critics believe she continues to use the royal connection because she understands it remains the basis of her global celebrity and business value.”
The insider added: “What irritates traditionalists most is the sense that Meghan is repeatedly publicly criticizing the institution while privately cashing in on proximity to it.
“Every time another controversy arises over titles, branding or quasi-royal appearances, it reinforces the perception among critics that they see the monarchy less as a family or public institution and more as an endlessly marketable brand asset.”
Although Markle became a princess through her marriage to Harry in 2018, she has never formally referred to herself as “Princess Meghan,” while her official title remains Duchess of Sussex.
According to British royal convention, the title “Princess” is generally reserved for women born into the royal family.
Gill also denounced Markle’s apparent attempts to publicly popularize the surname “Sussex”.
“And you know what, it’s not Meghan Markle – it’s Meghan Sussex,” Gill sneered. She also fumed, “Now, the infamous line she said to Mindy Kaling (on Markle’s Netflix show, where she said her last name was now ‘Sussex’) — and then was kind of strong about everyone calling her Megan Sussex, which never really took off.”
Gill went further, accusing Markle and Harry of trying to maintain the privileges of royalty while selectively participating in public service.
“As I’ve always said, they’re royals in the gig economy, where they want to work three days a week and then fly back to California when it suits them and get those royal titles, when that’s not what being a royal is about at all,” she said.
“It’s about service. It’s about dignity and respect for your country, and it’s about diplomacy,” Gill added.
Another source told us that Markle’s recent public appearances and business moves have fueled the perception that she still craves royal legitimacy despite her departure from official duties.
The insider said: “There is a strong feeling among critics that Meghan never really wanted to relinquish royal prestige itself. She wanted freedom from control of the palace, while retaining the status, influence and power associated with the monarchy. That’s why every new branding exercise or unofficial overseas tour immediately revives accusations that she is still trying to operate as a celebrity version of the royal family.”
De Giorgio also disparaged Markle’s ever-changing public persona, saying, “(When) she was in Australia, (she said), ‘Just call me Meg.’
‘She wants to be Meghan, the Duchess. She wants to be Megan, Sussex (everywhere else.) But in Australia, “Call me Meg, please.”
“Like, ‘I’m such a relatable woman… the everyday woman.’ “It’s just crazy.”
