On Meghan Markle’s 45th birthday, almost six and half years after their royal exit, an author revealed the truth about how the Sussexes’ shocking decision rocked the monarchy.
“I believe that the rupture in the family that saw Meghan and Harry go to the United States has done very serious damage to the monarchy,” Catherine Mayer, who penned “Divide & Rule,” claimed.
In conversation with Fox News Digital, the authoradded:“That is not to say that I blame them for what happened.”
She explained how their decision shook the Palace to its core, something Britons felt acutely, adding: “I think this has been very painful for everybody and for the institution.”
The expert also weighed in on the latest polling on the popularity of the monarchy, saying: “It is losing ground.”
The commentator admitted that the royal family has lost popularity primarily due to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his princely title over his connections with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
However, she believes the Sussexes had an ability to connect with younger populations in a way that’s “not really there with the rest of the family.”
“The only ones who can potentially do it are Kate and William, and they’re more of a small ‘c’ conservative in their approach,” said Mayer.
“Their children are really young. And there’s nobody in between George and his parents, William and Kate, to capture the imagination of younger audiences.”
She sought to share her real insight into the California-based couple, adding that their presence could have added shine to the monarchy.
“Harry and Meghan are basically the same age, but they had this appeal, a much broader appeal, and that’s been lost nowm” said the author.
Some experts also echoed that view, noting that family divisions remain unresolved despite recent signs of reconciliation.
Another expert, Chard adds, “the damage has been done” following Meghan and Harry’s departure, but she claims the royal family has “moved on,” prioritising the future.
While there will always be hope for reconciliation, she said, it will take time on all sides as trust takes years to rebuild.
2026-08-04 16:24:00
