Meghan Markle said she was “nesting and healing” after leaving the royal family, a comment that some experts saw as a quiet dig at Prince Harry’s relatives.
At the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit in Washington, D.C., on October 14, Meghan talked about moving to California with Harry in 2020. She said they didn’t have a clear plan and were focused on settling down, recovering, and creating a new life with their son Archie while she was pregnant with Lilibet.
Some royal experts thought her comments were meant as criticism. Hilary Fordwich said Meghan was trying to change her image while still bringing up old issues with the royal family. She said Meghan’s words showed either a lack of awareness or that she was being deliberate and bitter.
Helena Chard said Meghan’s speech was part of a PR campaign to promote her brand and grow her business. She added that Meghan doesn’t feel loyal to the royal family but still uses her royal background to boost her public image.
Others disagreed. Amanda Matta said Meghan wasn’t attacking anyone, just being honest about how hard it was to start over after leaving a strict institution. She said the couple’s early business deals with Spotify, Netflix, and Penguin Random House seemed more like efforts to find stability than part of a big plan.
Ian Pelham Turner, a former royal photographer, agreed. He said Meghan’s comments showed she was trying to move on and deal with the pressure and negativity she has faced.
