Once again, Meghan Markle has surprised us with her three-word comment, leaving many disappointed. It’s quite intriguing to consider that the British monarchy, led by a woman for much of the last century, has viewed feminism with skepticism and suspicion.
One notable moment in feminist history occurred in 1913 when suffragette Emily Wilding Davison threw herself under King George V’s horse at the Epsom Derby. Instead of sympathizing with her, the royal family sympathized with the horse, and Queen Mary even called Davison a horrid woman.
Fast forward to 2018 when Meghan Markle married Prince Harry. She proudly proclaimed herself a feminist, making her the first self-admitted feminist to join the royal family in over a century. This marked a significant moment in the history of the royal family. However, Meghan’s recent comments have left many feeling disheartened.
Last week, Harry and Meghan appeared in New York for an event hosted by Project Healthy Minds, where they discussed the impact of social media on young people’s mental health. During the panel, Meghan stated that being a mom is the most important thing in her life, aside from being a wife to Harry. The way she gestured towards Harry and referred to him as “this one” was quite telling. It seems she was trying to come off as cute, emphasizing the importance of being a wife.
This comment raises questions because Meghan had always presented herself as an independent woman. She had her own career before marrying Harry, and she was known for her work in gender equality. Meghan had been involved in initiatives related to women’s empowerment, clean water, and ending period stigma. She even received an award for her gender equality work. So, for her to suddenly define herself primarily as a wife is disheartening to many.
Moreover, Meghan’s recent comments don’t align with her previous statements on gender equality and feminism. Her declaration of being a wife as the most important role in her life seems like a step back from her previously independent and empowered image. It’s as if she’s embracing a more traditional and subservient role as a wife, which contradicts her earlier stance.
Despite her previous claims of standing for women and girls, Meghan’s recent comment paints a different picture. It makes one wonder if she’s giving up on the fight for gender equality. This shift in her self-definition is quite unexpected, especially considering her plans to pursue her own career and entrepreneurial projects.
It’s a departure from the shared Sussex Royals brand and raises questions about Meghan’s evolving identity. Meghan Markle, once seen as a strong feminist, now appears to be defining herself through her husband, Prince Harry. This change leaves many disappointed, as they had hoped she would continue to stand up for women’s rights and empowerment.
