Why Didn't the British Royal Family Allow Meghan to Pursue a Non-Working Royal Lifestyle?

In recent years, there has been considerable debate surrounding the roles and responsibilities of individual members of the British Royal Family. One question that has particularly garnered attention is why the Royal Family did not allow Meghan Markle to become a non-working royal while her husband Prince Harry remained a working royal. This article delves into the circumstances, motivations, and the implications of this decision.

Queen Elizabeth's Early Offer

According to various reports, Queen Elizabeth II proposed this idea to Meghan very early on during their engagement. The reasoning behind this suggestion was to help Meghan acclimate to life within the Royal Family, drawing a parallel from her concerns to those experienced by Princess Diana. However, Meghan's desire for significant changes and her ambitions for prominence led her to reject this offer, viewing it as inadequate for her goals.

Conflict and Mismatched Expectations

Despite the Queen's well-intentioned offer, Meghan Markle was insistent on divorcing the traditional aims and duties of a royal. Instead, she and Prince Harry envisioned a future where they could leverage their royal status to pursue financial gain and personal fame, setting themselves apart from their siblings. This resulted in significant conflict and mismatched expectations between the couple and the Royal Family.

Acting Career and Public Service

It is important to note that Meghan was given the option to continue her acting career, which she initially accepted. She made an appearance on Oprah, demonstrating her continued interest in the industry. However, she faced reality when she understood the full commitment required of a royal role beyond merely sitting for magazines. Her intention to serve the public as a royal seemed to be more about personal ambition and less about genuine public service.

Practicality and Realism

The Royal Family's expectation that its members live within a specific lifestyle rather than as temporary employees was often overlooked by Meghan and Harry. Their desire for a non-working royal who could pursue a career outside of palace duties was met with practical limitations. Ultimately, the couple's decision to pursue their goals through books and criticizing the Royal Family from a distance highlights a disconnect from the values and commitments to the institution.

Public Perception and Criticism

Some critics argue that the Royal Family should have been more firm in rejecting Meghan and Harry's requests early on. The sentiment that the family should have taken a stronger stance against such demands dates back decades, suggesting a broader dissatisfaction with the influence and influence-seeking behavior of some members of the Royal Household.

For many, the decision of Meghan and Harry to distance themselves from the Royal Family and pursue their own path has raised questions about the future of the institution. It underscores the challenges of balancing individual desires with the traditions and responsibilities of one of history's most iconic royal families.