Meghan Markle Reflects on Royal Life and Personal Expression

In a recent interview, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, opened up about her experiences as a member of the British royal family, particularly her discomfort with royal fashion expectations. Speaking with Emily Chang on Bloomberg’s The Circuit, Meghan revealed that she was required to wear nude pantyhose regularly, which she found “a little bit inauthentic.” This conversation coincides with the release of the second season of her Netflix lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan, which premiered on March 5, 2024.

Throughout the interview, Meghan expressed how her role within the royal family often limited her ability to express herself. “I couldn’t be as vocal,” she noted, emphasizing that her previous obligations often conflicted with her personal style. The memory of wearing pantyhose reminded her of outdated fashion trends from the 1980s, a sentiment she shared with a hint of humor.

Breaking Free from Royal Protocol

Meghan’s candid remarks highlighted her desire for authenticity. “Let’s be honest, that was not very myself,” she explained. The duchess shared her relief at being able to dress freely and express her true self now that she has stepped back from royal duties. This transition has allowed her to embrace her individuality without the constraints of royal protocol.

During the interview, Meghan touched upon the emotional toll of her royal life. She recalled a particularly challenging period following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, during which she spent three weeks apart from her children. She reflected on how this separation impacted her well-being. “I was not well,” she admitted, underscoring the personal challenges that accompanied her royal responsibilities.

In addition to her reflections on royal life, Meghan also discussed her family dynamics and personal interests. She revealed that it was the Duke of Sussex who first expressed his love for her. She also shared her current endeavor of relearning French using the Duolingo app late at night, noting that her reading has been limited to children’s and parenting books for some time.

Community Life in Montecito

Meghan described her life in Montecito as a “really supported sweet life” within a “beautiful embracing community.” This environment has allowed her to foster creativity and pursue her passions. “I’ve been able to really create and dream here,” she stated, reflecting on the positive aspects of her new life in the United States.

The interview with Chang also touched upon the ongoing narrative surrounding Meghan’s fashion choices during her time as a royal. In her first post-wedding appearance at a Buckingham Palace garden party in 2018, she was seen wearing nude tights that were criticized for being too pale for her skin tone. This sartorial choice sparked discussions about royal fashion protocol, which often emphasizes modesty and tradition.

While many royal women, including Queen Elizabeth II, adhered to similar fashion standards, Meghan’s experience suggests a more personal choice rather than an enforced requirement. Tensions have also been reported regarding Meghan’s approach to royal traditions, notably her disagreements with the now-Princess of Wales over dress codes for children at royal events.

In her conversation, Meghan conveyed that her current focus is on authenticity and self-expression rather than conforming to expectations. “Right now, no I don’t feel that I need to prove anything,” she concluded, reinforcing her commitment to living life on her own terms.

With her new series and her reflections on royal life, Meghan Markle continues to navigate the complexities of her identity, showcasing a blend of personal growth and public engagement that resonates with her audience.