Even thousands of miles removed from the gilded gates of Buckingham Palace, the shadow of the British monarchy continues to loom large over the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, currently navigating a high-profile humanitarian tour of Jordan, find themselves at the center of a familiar social media firestorm. This time, the controversy isn’t about their departure from “The Firm,” but rather a single photograph that has critics accusing Meghan of mimicking her sister-in-law, Kate Middleton.
The Sussexes’ journey to the Middle East comes at a time when the Royal Family back in London is grappling with unprecedented turmoil. As the monarchy deals with the legal fallout surrounding the arrest of the former Prince Andrew and his scrutinized ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein, Harry and Meghan have largely focused on their independent business ventures and the upbringing of their two children.
A Private Life in the Public Eye
Life for Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, is a stark departure from the rigid upbringing their father experienced. Since their relocation to a sprawling estate in Montecito, California, several years ago, the couple has sought to carve out a “private life.”
Yet, as critics often point out, some habits are hard to break. Despite stepping back from official duties, the Duke and Duchess have continued to embark on international tours where they are frequently received with the pomp and circumstance typically reserved for working royals. These “quasi-royal” outings have reportedly sparked frustration for King Charles and Prince William. However, the friction at home has not deterred the couple from traveling the world to champion humanitarian causes.
