When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relationship first became public, it sparked an intense global conversation. Their marriage in 2018 was seen by some as a modern fairy tale—a British prince marrying an American actress with a passion for philanthropy. But was Meghan Markle truly the right girl for Prince Harry to marry? The answer, while subjective, depends largely on the lens through which one views the couple and the unprecedented decisions they’ve made since tying the knot.
On the surface, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle seemed like a perfect match. Both were passionate about humanitarian causes, using their platforms to advocate for change. Meghan’s background in acting and her outspoken nature on issues like gender equality, mental health, and race aligned with Prince Harry’s long-standing commitment to helping veterans and raising awareness around mental health. Their shared values, especially in charitable work, likely helped to strengthen their bond in the early stages of their relationship.
For Harry, who has always had a rebellious and independent streak, Meghan appeared to be the breath of fresh air he needed. She brought an outsider’s perspective to royal life, one that seemed to resonate with Harry’s own struggles growing up in the spotlight. Their mutual desire to challenge the status quo made Meghan a fitting partner for Harry’s vision of stepping outside traditional royal boundaries.
Meghan’s entrance into the British royal family marked a significant departure from royal tradition. As a biracial American divorcée, she was unlike any other royal bride. While this initially garnered praise for modernizing the monarchy, it also led to intense scrutiny and criticism from the media and certain royal circles.
The constant media attention placed enormous strain on the couple, and Prince Harry, who had always harbored resentment toward the press due to its treatment of his mother, Princess Diana, saw the same patterns repeating with Meghan. This undoubtedly influenced their decision to step down as senior royals in 2020, a move that shook the monarchy and divided public opinion.
For Harry, Meghan may have been the right person to push him toward the life he truly wanted—a life of more freedom and less scrutiny. However, for some royal traditionalists, she was seen as a disruptive influence.
At the heart of their relationship is love, something that is evident in the couple’s interviews and public appearances. But love alone does not protect a marriage from external pressures, especially one as highly publicized and controversial as theirs. Critics argue that Meghan’s outspoken nature and clash with royal expectations may have strained Harry’s relationships with his family, particularly with Prince William and King Charles. Supporters, however, contend that Meghan gave Harry the courage to prioritize his mental health and happiness over royal duty.
Meghan Markle the right girl for Prince Harry to marry? It depends on who you ask. For Prince Harry, it seems the answer is a resounding yes—Meghan offered him a path to autonomy, family, and a shared vision for their future. For others, particularly within the royal institution, her presence disrupted centuries of tradition. Ultimately, Meghan and Harry’s marriage is a reflection of their desire for a new chapter, one in which love and personal well-being take precedence over royal obligations.
