Princess Meghan Markle has been a polarising figure in the British royal family, drawing both admiration and criticism since her marriage to Prince Harry. However, an intriguing question arises: would the late Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth II's younger sister, have been among Meghan’s supporters? Given Margaret's own struggles within the rigid framework of royal traditions, it's worth considering whether she might have sympathised with Meghan’s challenges.
Princess Margaret was known as the royal rebel, someone who often defied expectations and pursued her desires, even when it clashed with royal protocol. Her love affair with Group Captain Peter Townsend, which was thwarted by the monarchy due to his divorce, revealed her frustration with the restrictions of royal life. Margaret’s life was marked by moments where she challenged the establishment, whether through her unconventional relationships, outspoken nature, or glamorous, modern lifestyle that often drew media scrutiny.
Meghan Markle, an American actress and divorcee, faced a similar clash with royal traditions. Her entrance into the royal family was groundbreaking but also highly controversial. She encountered criticism for her modern approach to royal duties, her prioritisation of mental health and personal autonomy, and her eventual decision with Prince Harry to step back as working royals. Margaret, who was no stranger to the burden of royal duty versus personal happiness, might have seen echoes of her own struggles in Meghan's journey.
One of Margaret’s defining traits was her defiance of societal norms, even when it came at great personal cost. She understood the pressures of living in the shadow of a more traditional and dutiful sibling — Queen Elizabeth II. In many ways, Margaret’s experiences mirror Meghan’s struggle to find her place within the rigid expectations of the monarchy. Margaret's own relationship with the press was tumultuous, much like Meghan’s, as she was both celebrated and vilified for her choices.
Critics of Meghan often accuse her of being self-serving or disrespectful to royal tradition. Yet, Margaret herself was frequently criticised in her lifetime for similar reasons, including her lavish lifestyle and reluctance to conform entirely to royal expectations. These parallels might have fostered a sense of empathy between the two women. Margaret’s support for Meghan could have stemmed from a shared understanding of how unforgiving royal life can be for those who dare to step outside its confines.
It’s worth noting that Margaret was also deeply loyal to her sister, Queen Elizabeth. Her support for Meghan might not have come at the expense of her allegiance to the monarchy. Instead, she may have sought to bridge the gap, advocating for greater understanding and modernisation within the institution to accommodate individuals like Meghan.
While it’s impossible to know definitively, Princess Margaret's rebellious spirit and personal struggles within the monarchy suggest she might have empathised with Meghan Markle’s challenges. Margaret's legacy as a royal who pushed boundaries makes her a figure who could have stood in Meghan's corner, urging the monarchy to embrace change and individuality. For British critics of Meghan, reflecting on Margaret's life may offer a deeper perspective on the complexities of royal duty and personal freedom.
