From royal newcomers celebrated as champions of equality to embattled figures facing fierce criticism, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s path echoes the arc of modern social justice trends. Their union in 2018 sparked hopes that a mixed-race American actress could invigorate the monarchy with fresh ideals. Yet just as swiftly, the couple became targets of conservative backlash, mirroring how progressive causes often rise in popularity before provoking a counterattack. Their story shows how public causes can shift from acclaim to controversy in a heartbeat.
Meghan’s first appearance on the palace stage in late 2016 was framed as a breakthrough moment. Kensington Palace press chief Jason Knauf decried “the smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments.” Publications like The Wall Street Journal speculated her entry could “mark a giant step in the modernization of the British monarchy,” while historian Ted Powell noted it was vital to have someone “who is mixed race and embracing her heritage and stating that is very much part of her.”
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Long before her royal introduction, Meghan had a reputation as a feminist and budding activist. She recalled challenging Procter & Gamble as a child over an advertisement that portrayed household chores as a woman’s battle. At a public event in Cardiff before their 2018 nuptials, she proudly declared Prince Harry “a feminist too.” This narrative of two royals committed to social change underpinned their early image, earning praise from supporters who saw them as a refreshing, purposeful force within a traditionally staid institution.
By 2019, conservative commentators began labeling the couple provocatively. Piers Morgan accused Meghan’s U.K. Vogue guest edit of virtue-signaling, blasting her choice of “15 female ‘trailblazers’ and ‘changemakers’” as self-serving rather than beneficial to the nation. Douglas Murray went further, warning in UnHerd that “The Duke and Duchess of Woke shouldn’t raise the subject of ‘unearned privilege.’” These critiques reflected a broader shift: what once felt like a modernizing breath of fresh air was now derided by critics as overreaching woke posturing.
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Their appearance on Oprah Winfrey’s 2021 special reignited debates about race and royalty. Meghan revealed that conversations within the family had already revolved around “how dark [Archie’s] skin might be when he’s born.” She also explained they faced questions about his security and title. This candid moment sparked global discussions on colonialism and racism, with some viewing it as a long-overdue reckoning, while others dismissed it as opportunistic. The fallout underscored how charged discussions of identity and privilege had become.
In interviews promoting Harry’s memoir Spare, the couple’s stance on race appeared to soften. Harry asked, “The British press said that, right? Did Meghan ever mention ‘they’re racists?’” He also defended Lady Susan Hussey, congratulating the Royal Family on reconciling with the former courtier, saying “I’m very happy for Ngozi Fulani to be invited into the Palace to sit down with Lady Susan Hussey, and to reconcile, because Meghan and I love Susan Hussey.” These comments jarred supporters who had earlier condemned Hussey’s remarks as insensitive.
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Today, Harry and Meghan are pursuing various personal and philanthropic ventures. Meghan’s cooking show, With Love, Meghan, and her lifestyle shop, As Ever, mark her evolution into a Martha Stewart–Gwyneth Paltrow hybrid. Meanwhile, Harry remains active in charitable causes, though ventures like his wife’s investment in Cesta Collective have drawn criticism for “poverty porn.” These efforts suggest a shift from retrospective royal exposés toward building brands rooted in passion projects, even if they sometimes attract new waves of scrutiny.
During the 2020 U.S. election, the Sussexes spoke obliquely against Trump, with Meghan urging “the change we all need and deserve,” and prompting a sharp retort from the former president, who said he was “not a fan” of Meghan. In 2024, as Trump sought another term, Harry and Meghan largely stayed silent. Polling showed their endorsements might sway as many voters away as toward a candidate. By sitting out, they avoided the pitfalls of speaking into an increasingly polarized arena.
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Their trajectory—from celebrated social justice symbols to figures caught between praise and backlash—parallels the volatility of modern movements. As their public roles continue to evolve, the Sussexes face the ongoing challenge of balancing activism, personal ambition and public reception.