Meghan Markle’s Vanity Fair Feature: A Royal Dilemma of Pride and Discomfort

For Meghan Markle, the excitement of securing the cover of a major magazine was quickly overshadowed by unexpected ramifications.

In 2017, the actress, celebrated for her role in Suits, was thrilled to appear on the cover of Vanity Fair. However, both she and the British royal family were left stunned when they discovered the bold headline that read “Meghan Markle, Wild About Harry!”

Helena Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, shared insights with Fox News Digital, describing this moment as a significant awakening for the royal family. She noted that it inspired a wave of dread and embarrassment when Meghan’s words were publicly shared. The commentary and editorial choices were anything but typical for someone entering the prestigious realm of the British monarchy.

Chard’s comments coincided with revelations from Graydon Carter, the former editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair, who disclosed to Page Six that he had arranged for Meghan to grace one of his last covers before stepping down. His long tenure at the magazine, which began in 1992, lent weight to his observations. He has since written a book entitled “When the Going Was Good: An Editor’s Adventures During the Last Golden Age of Magazines.”

According to Carter, the process began when Jane Sarkin, a member of the magazine’s cover team, suggested they feature Meghan. Initially, Carter was skeptical of Meghan’s appeal, asking, “Why should we do a story on her?” But Sarkin promptly replied, “Because she’s going to marry Prince Harry.”

He recounted an instance during the interview where Meghan challenged the reporter about focusing solely on her relationship with Harry. She emphasized her desire to discuss her charities and philanthropic endeavors instead.

Carter, who had personal ties to Princess Diana, theorized how Diana might have reacted to Harry’s romantic involvement with a burgeoning star. He speculated that she would have felt sorrow for Harry, concerned about the rift it could create within their family.

While the royal expert’s views provide one perspective, Chard remarked that many were surprised to learn Meghan was displeased with the cover story and editorial direction. Securing a cover on Vanity Fair is a significant accomplishment for any public figure, especially someone relatively unknown to the public eye.

In retrospect, the chain of events appears differently, according to Chard. She pointed out that Harry and Meghan began dating in 2016, got engaged the following year, and tied the knot in 2018. The timeline intertwines with the changes in Meghan’s career and public life.

However, Kinsey Schofield, host of the podcast To Di For Daily, revealed insights from insiders who suggested that the Vanity Fair cover played a role in solidifying Meghan’s engagement to Harry. Schofield pointed out that royalty insiders deemed it inappropriate for Meghan to leverage her connection to gain media attention.

In contrast, Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner defended Meghan’s position. He felt she aimed to preserve her relationship and carefully navigate the complexities of newfound fame. Turner characterized Meghan as dedicated to her philanthropic work, emphasizing her genuine love for Prince Harry and understanding of his past traumas.

Chard added that while Meghan aimed for the Vanity Fair feature to highlight her identity, the burgeoning romance with Harry inevitably colored public perception. She illustrated that Meghan was not widely known especially within the UK and exhibited ambition to achieve fame and recognition.

A captivating aspect was King Charles’s moniker for Meghan, dubbing her ‘Tungsten’ — a term that connoted a blend of strength and resilience, highlighting her tenacity.

British royal expert Hilary Fordwich expressed skepticism regarding Meghan’s understanding of her situation. She suggested that Carter’s assertion of Meghan being ‘adrift from reality’ was a polite expression of the disconnect she exhibited.

As discussions continued regarding Meghan’s reported feelings about the article, it became evident that the interview left an indelible mark on her public image.

In her own words during the Vanity Fair interview, Meghan opened up about managing the surging public interest. She articulated the duality of her experience, noting that it could be quite challenging. However, she claimed to have a solid support system that included her boyfriend at the time.

Furthermore, Meghan reflected on her family’s influence, recalling how her parents supported her journey in pursuit of an acting career, which had become turbulent at times. Her estrangement from her father, Thomas Markle, adds layers to the personal narrative she attempts to convey.

The Wendy Williams Show had highlighted in the past that Meghan’s burgeoning romance with Harry gave her a platform to amplify issues close to her heart. Meghan herself acknowledged that philanthropy became a shared passion with Harry, marking an embrace of shared values and outreach.

While expressing sentiments about the relationship, Meghan stated that the unique nature of their love story made it special and distinct from any public narratives.

Chard concluded with a poignant remark that the Vanity Fair feature, however innocently intended, marked the beginning of numerous hurdles ahead. She quoted Harry’s words, suggesting that Meghan’s desires might have propelled events in ways she had not anticipated.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from their royal duties in 2020, announcing the overwhelming challenge of media scrutiny and lack of institutional support. They now reside in Montecito, California, dedicating themselves to their family and philanthropic endeavors amidst ongoing public interest.