While I want to acknowledge the Sussexes when they get things right, they’ve unfortunately made yet another boo-boo.
Last night, Meghan Markle gave a speech at an Oprah Winfrey book club event in California, where Prince Harry’s controversial memoir, Spare, was prominently on display. Her ‘book’ was also rumoured to have been on shelves.
The timing of Meghan’s appearance raises eyebrows, as it occurred on the eve of the second anniversary of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. It feels like a terribly disrespectful move to me, and it’s hard to believe Harry would have allowed it to happen.
After all, he was supposed to have been the late Queen’s favourite grandson, and they adored each other. I know I would have had far more respect for the anniversary of my late grandmother’s death.
Surely, both Meghan and Harry would have anticipated that coverage of this event would dominate the headlines the following day – precisely when the rest of the Royal Family is quietly honouring the Queen’s memory.
Today, King Charles and other members of the Royal Family commemorated her passing with private prayers and reflection.
Last night, the Duchess was one of several speakers at the bookstore opening event, held at Godmothers, a book shop and community space in Summerland, just a short distance from her Montecito home.
The so-called ‘star-studded’ gathering – which didn’t really have that many ‘stars’ – included figures such as Marco Leone, Dr. Jennifer Freed, and psychic medium Laura Lynne Jackson.
Spending time with these non-entities rather than with family in Blighty to commemorate such an important milestone, only goes to show where the Sussexes’ hearts lie – in increasing their profiles and adding to their bank balance.
Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on September 8, 2022, was not only Britain’s longest-reigning monarch but also a beloved global figure. Her death marked the end of an era, and she is fondly remembered for her dedication, sense of duty, and commitment to the Crown.
If only Harry and Meghan could boast a similar sense of achievement rather than riding on the backs of Hollywood rejects.
Since stepping back from their royal duties in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have frequently made headlines with their media ventures. From their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, where they made shocking claims about their life within the Royal Family, to Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, which pulled back the curtain on years of royal tensions, the couple has often been accused of overshadowing major royal events.
This latest appearance only adds to the perception that their actions sometimes lack the awareness and sensitivity expected in such moments. Trying to make major royal milestones about themselves instead of about who they should be won’t win back the public.
While it’s clear the Sussexes are carving out their own path, moments like these serve as a reminder that timing, especially in matters of family and public sentiment, means everything. And Meghan’s speech last night missed the mark by a good few days or more!
