Since Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in 2018, tabloids have employed a range of strategies to shape public opinion about the Duchess of Sussex. These tactics have evolved over time, reflecting changing circumstances, cultural sensitivities, and the couple's own responses to media narratives. From subtle innuendos to outright character attacks, the tabloids’ approach reveals an intricate playbook designed to capture attention and stoke controversy.
Initially, the British tabloids presented Meghan Markle as a modern breath of fresh air, celebrating her biracial heritage, philanthropic work, and Hollywood background. This narrative quickly shifted, however, as media outlets began to capitalize on public interest in her relationship with Harry. Headlines started to focus on perceived breaches of royal protocol, from her fashion choices to her parenting style.
A key strategy in these early years was the juxtaposition of Meghan with Kate Middleton, Prince William’s wife. Tabloids often framed Kate as the quintessential royal, embodying tradition and grace, while portraying Meghan as an outsider who disrupted the monarchy. For example, stories scrutinizing Meghan’s decision to cradle her baby bump or close a car door were contrasted with praise for Kate’s similar actions. This tactic of pitting women against each other proved effective in driving clicks and deepening divisions among royal followers.
As Meghan’s popularity grew globally, so did the tabloids’ use of racially charged narratives. Articles and commentary began to subtly, and sometimes overtly, question her “fit” within the royal family due to her American upbringing and mixed-race heritage. Descriptions of Meghan as “exotic” or “ambitious” carried racially coded language that fueled negative stereotypes. The tabloids frequently amplified opinions from anonymous “royal insiders,” further legitimizing these narratives.
Social media became an extension of these strategies, with tabloids often highlighting or even inciting online vitriol against Meghan. They published divisive content that mirrored or fueled trolling campaigns, creating a feedback loop of negativity that blurred the lines between credible journalism and online harassment.
The couple’s decision to step back from royal duties in 2020 provided tabloids with new fodder. Headlines frequently labeled Meghan as a manipulative figure driving Harry away from his family. Stories portrayed her as selfish, framing the move as an affront to the monarchy.
A key evolution in tactics during this period was the use of selective leaks and unverified reports, often citing anonymous sources. Tabloids focused on painting Meghan and Harry’s interviews, such as their sit-down with Oprah Winfrey, as self-serving. Meghan’s mental health struggles, which she openly discussed, were often downplayed or dismissed, further delegitimizing her narrative.
Meghan’s legal victories against several tabloids, particularly her successful privacy lawsuit against *The Mail on Sunday* in 2021, forced some publications to tread more carefully. Yet, the scrutiny persisted. The tabloids adapted by focusing more on Harry’s actions, subtly implicating Meghan in the background. Stories increasingly tied Meghan to commercial ventures and political aspirations, portraying her as opportunistic.
From exploiting racial undertones to constructing divisive narratives, tabloids have consistently evolved their strategies to manipulate public opinion about Meghan Markle. Their approach underscores the media’s role in shaping perceptions, often at the expense of truth and fairness. Despite Meghan and Harry’s efforts to counteract these narratives, the tabloids’ tactics remain a potent force in public discourse.
