Meghan Markle, 42, Sees Herself as Princess Diana’s ‘Heir’: Royal Expert Explains the Sign

In the realms of royalty and celebrity, few figures have captivated the public imagination as deeply as Princess Diana and Meghan Markle. Now, a royal expert has weighed in on Markle’s mindset.

Since the beginning of her relationship with Prince Harry, Meghan Markle has been heavily scrutinized by the public. Some have compared her to Princess Diana and others have said she could never measure up to her late-mother-in-law.

Princess Diana during a trip to Canada in May 1986 | Source: Getty Images

Princess Diana, a beacon of compassion and a disruptor of the traditional royal protocol, left a legacy of humanitarian work and personal vulnerability that reshaped the British monarchy.

Markle, an American actress turned Duchess of Sussex, has carved her own path, challenging norms and facing intense scrutiny while navigating her role within the same institution.

Recently, Markle, at the age of 42, embarked on a new venture, launching her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. This move, rich in ambition and personal expression, has reignited conversations about her connection to Diana’s legacy, stirring insights from royal experts and evoking varied reactions from the public.

American Riviera Orchard represents Markle’s latest step in crafting a life that merges public influence with private entrepreneurial ambition.

The brand, which will offer an array of homewares products, signifies her commitment to creating a legacy that transcends her royal title.

Meghan Markle as seen in a March 14, 2024 YouTube post | Source: Youtube.com/@pagesix

Notably, the brand’s launch coincided with The Diana Award ceremony, a decision that royal expert Tom Quinn suggests is no mere coincidence.

According to Quinn, Markle sees herself as “Diana’s heir,” a woman who, like her late mother-in-law, faces the media’s glare but strives to leverage her platform for personal and broader societal gain.

However, this alignment with Diana’s legacy has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a respectful nod to the past, while others criticize it as capitalizing on royal connections.

Princess Diana at her home, Highgrove House, in Doughton, Gloucestershire, 18th July 1986 | Source: Getty Images

The parallels drawn between Markle and Princess Diana are not new. Prince Harry himself has often highlighted the similarities between the two most influential women in his life.

In their Netflix documentary series, “Harry & Meghan,” Harry emphasized Markle’s compassion, empathy, and warmth, traits he deeply associates with his mother.

Meghan Markle and her son, Archie, at the Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town on September 25, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

This comparison extends beyond personality traits, touching on their shared experiences with media scrutiny and their desire to use their public platforms for advocacy and change.

In an excerpt from the documentary, Prince Harry recalled a night when he and Meghan were staying in a room at Buckingham Palace following a royal engagement.

Although most royal family members were there, including his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, the person the media chose to portray on the front page was Markle.

Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry at Buckingham Palace as the Royal family attend events to mark the Centenary of the RAF on July 10, 2018 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Many royal fans accused Markle of trying to steal the spotlight from other royals, but Prince Harry clarified that the media chose who they put on the front page, not the royals.

Yet, this connection to Diana’s legacy is a double-edged sword, offering both a source of inspiration and a potential point of contention within and outside the royal family.

Critics argue that Markle’s business endeavors, particularly the timing of her brand’s launch, reflect a calculated move to align her image with Diana’s enduring influence.

Princess Diana Serpentine Gallery, London, in June 1994 | Source: Getty Images

This perspective suggests a complex navigation of personal ambition and public perception, where every decision is scrutinized for its authenticity and respect for royal traditions.

Yet, supporters see Markle’s actions as a continuation of Diana’s legacy, a way of honoring her memory by embodying the same spirit of independence and social consciousness.

The launch of American Riviera Orchard, therefore, is more than just the introduction of a new brand. It’s a statement of identity and purpose from Markle, a declaration of how she wishes to be seen and remembered.

By aligning her entrepreneurial ventures with Diana’s legacy, Markle is carving a space where her work can be both personally fulfilling and beneficial to others.

Meghan Markle greets Yuliia 'Taira' Paievska during the Swimming Medals Ceremony during day seven of the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 on September 16, 2023 in Duesseldorf, Germany | Source: Getty Images

However, the path she navigates is fraught with comparisons and expectations, where her every move is seen through the lens of her late mother-in-law’s shadow.

As Markle continues to build her brand and define her public persona, the conversation around her connection to Princess Diana’s legacy is unlikely to wane.

The move to start a business comes at the same time as Markle carving out her identity on hers and her husband’s new website. We previously reported that the pair launched a new website in which Markle altered her publicly-used name.

As Prince Harry and Markle launched the new website, they transitioned from the Sussex Royal URL handle to simply Sussex. Despite stepping back from official royal duties, they continue to use their titles. The website includes a section designed to offer the public more insight into their lives and work.

Notably, Meghan’s page introduces her using only her first name, omitting her family name. This decision reflects a common practice among British Royals, who are frequently referred to by their first names and titles.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at The Sunken Gardens at Kensington Palace on November 27, 2017 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan’s narrative on the site includes her upbringing, painting a picture of her journey from a young South California girl to the influential figure she is today. The page also featured her advocacies for women, mental health, gender equality, and family care.

Meghan’s impact and recognition are also highlighted through her inclusion in various world rankings, marking her as a notable figure on the global stage.

Now residing in California as a mother of two, Meghan and Harry have embarked on a new chapter away from their roles as senior members of the British Royal Family.

Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, whose names are emblematic of their continued connection to Harry’s heritage, are a significant part of their lives in America.

Following their move, the couple launched the Archewell Foundation and introduced the podcast “Archetypes,” initiatives that underline their ongoing commitment to public service and discourse.

Meghan’s details are available on the Royal Family’s official website, though it offers limited information about her advocacies and activities.

It mentions that she and her husband have stepped back as senior members, stating, “The Duchess will continue to support various charitable causes and organizations that align with her longstanding interests, including the arts, education access, women’s support, and animal welfare.”

Recently, in light of King Charles’ recent cancer diagnosis, Prince Harry returned to London to be by his father’s side. However, Meghan Markle decided to stay in America during this period.

The reasons behind Meghan’s choice to remain in America, while not confirmed were revealed by the King’s former butler, Grant Harrold.

“Meghan made the decision that it was best to stay home with the children, and maybe she feels that this is something Harry has got to do alone,” he said. “It’s his father. She’s aware of the close relationship and probably encouraged him to come over.

Husband Walks Into Hospital and Immediately Dumps Wife After Seeing Their Newborn Twins!

Here’s the article rewritten in simple language while keeping the same word count and paragraphs:

“You lied to me!” Instead of being happy about our newborn twin daughters, my husband got angry and accused me of being unfaithful. With hurtful words and a cold exit, Mark broke our family apart. Now, I’m determined to make him pay for leaving us.

I lay in the white hospital bed, feeling tired but happy. Even though my body was sore, it all felt worth it as I looked at the two beautiful baby girls resting beside me.

Midjourney

Here’s the article rewritten in simple language, maintaining the same word count, paragraph length, and removing the image sources:

The babies cooed softly, and tears of joy ran down my face. After years of trying to have children and a long, difficult pregnancy, I was finally a mom. It was the best feeling in the world!

I reached for my phone and typed a message to Mark, my husband: “They’re here. Two beautiful girls. Can’t wait for you to meet them.”

Midjourney

I hit send, a content smile forming on my face as I imagined his excitement.

This was supposed to be one of the happiest moments of our lives, and I never could have guessed how quickly it would turn into the worst.

A little while later, the door opened, and there he was. But instead of joy, Mark’s expression was cold — like a man walking into a meeting he didn’t want to attend.

“Hey,” I said softly, forcing a smile. “Aren’t they beautiful?”

Mark finally looked at the twins, and I saw his jaw tighten. His face showed disappointment before his lips curled in disgust.

Midjourney

“What is this?” he muttered, more to himself than to me.

Confusion filled me, pressing heavily against my chest. “What do you mean? They’re our daughters! What’s wrong with you, Mark?”

His gaze sharpened.

I could see the anger building up, ready to explode. And when it did, it hit like a storm.

“I’ll tell you what’s wrong: you tricked me!” he shouted. “You never told me we were having girls!”

Midjourney

I blinked, stunned. “Why does it matter? They’re healthy. They’re perfect!”

I reached for his hand, trying to calm him, but he yanked it away, disgust clear on his face.

“It matters a lot! This isn’t what I wanted, Lindsey! I thought we were having boys!” His voice grew louder, bouncing off the hospital walls, and I felt every word cut into me. “This family was supposed to carry on my name!”

My heart sank. “You’re serious? You’re mad because… they’re girls?”

Midjourney

“You’re darn right!” He stepped back like the sight of the babies made him sick. “Everyone knows only boys can carry on a legacy! You… you cheated on me, didn’t you? These can’t be mine.”

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. It felt like he knocked the air out of my lungs.

“How can you even say that?” I whispered, tears filling my eyes. “You’re really accusing me of cheating because I had daughters?”

But he was already walking toward the door, his hands clenching in anger.

Midjourney

“I’m not raising someone else’s kids,” he spat, his voice harsh and final. “I’m out.”

Before I could respond — before I could beg or scream or cry — he was gone. The door slammed shut behind him with a loud thud. And just like that, everything I thought I knew fell apart.

I looked down at my daughters, still in my arms, their tiny faces peaceful.

“It’s okay, sweethearts,” I whispered, though my heart felt anything but okay.

Midjourney

And for the first time since they were born, I started to cry.

Mark disappeared. No calls. No messages. The only news I got about him was from friends, who said he was on vacation somewhere sunny, drinking cocktails with the same guys who cheered us on at our wedding.

That’s right; he left me and went on vacation. It wasn’t just the betrayal. It was how easily he walked away, as if our life together meant nothing.

Midjourney

But the worst was yet to come.

I was back home, settling into a routine with the girls, when I got the first message from Mark’s mother, Sharon.

I was so relieved! Sharon was a tough woman, and I believed Mark would change his mind if his mother supported me.

My hands shook as I played Sharon’s voicemail. Her words were harsh and cruel.

Midjourney

“You ruined everything,” Sharon said angrily. “Mark deserved sons. How could you do this to him? To our family? How could you betray my son like this?”

I was so shocked, I dropped my phone. Her words cut deeper than anything Mark had said. To them, I hadn’t just given birth to daughters — I had failed. And they wanted me to pay for it.

I stared at my phone, trying to process this new attack.

Then my phone started ringing again. It was Sharon. I let it ring and watched as another voicemail notification popped up.

Midjourney

Then the texts started. Each message was more hurtful than the last. Sharon called me every name you can think of, blaming me for cheating on Mark, for having daughters, for not being a good wife… it just went on and on.

Mark’s entire family had turned against me. I was completely alone.

I tried to stay strong, but at night, the nursery became both my safe place and my prison. I’d sit in the rocking chair, holding my daughters close, whispering promises I wasn’t sure I could keep.

Midjourney

“I’ll protect you,” I said softly, the words as much for me as for them. “We’ll be okay. Everything will turn out just fine, you’ll see.”

But some nights, I wasn’t so sure. Sometimes, the loneliness and fear were so heavy that I thought I might break.

One night, I found myself crying as I fed the girls. It all felt like too much.

“I can’t do this anymore,” I sobbed. “It’s too hard. I can’t keep waiting…”

And then it hit me. I’d been waiting for Mark to come back and realize his mistake, but he hadn’t done anything to make me believe that would ever happen. He hadn’t even called.

I looked down at my girls and knew it was time to stand up for them and for myself.

A lawyer gave me my first bit of hope.

“With Mark’s abandonment,” she said thoughtfully, “you have a strong case. Full custody. Child support. We’ll handle visitation on your terms.”

Her words were like a lifeline. Finally, I had some control and something to fight for. And I wasn’t stopping there.

Mark wanted out? Fine. I was more than happy to divorce him, but he wouldn’t get away so easily.

I created a new social media profile, carefully sharing the story I wanted people to see.

Post after post showed my daughters’ milestones: tiny hands grabbing toys, their first smiles, and giggles. Each photo showed a piece of our happy life, and every caption carried a clear message: Mark wasn’t part of it.

Friends shared my posts, family left comments, and soon, everyone knew. Mark might have left, but I was building something beautiful without him.

The open house was my final stand. I invited everyone. The only person not welcome was Mark. I even made sure the invitation said so.

On the big day, the house was full of warmth and laughter. The twins wore matching outfits with tiny bows in their hair. Guests couldn’t stop admiring how adorable they were.

Then the door burst open, and there was Mark, angry and wild-eyed. The room fell silent.

“What is this?” he shouted. “You’ve turned everyone against me!”

I stood, my heart racing but steady. “You left us, Mark, because you didn’t want daughters. That was your choice.”

“You robbed me of my chance to pass down my legacy!” he shot back, his eyes filled with rage.

“You’re not welcome here,” I said, my voice calm. “We don’t need a man like you in our family. This is our life now.”

My friends stood beside me, their presence silent but strong. Defeated, Mark turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Weeks later, Mark received the court papers detailing the child support, custody, and visitation arrangements. He couldn’t escape. He’d still have to face the responsibility of being a father, even if he wasn’t going to be a dad.

Sharon’s final message came later — maybe an apology, maybe more anger. It didn’t matter. I deleted it without listening.

I was done with their family and done with the past.

That night, as I rocked my daughters, the future stretched out before us — bright, open, and ours alone.

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