EXCLUSIVE: How Meghan Markle Felt Like a 'Slave Princess' When She Was Part of the Royal Family — And Why It's Driving Her Hatred of the Idea of Harry Going Back to The Firm

Meghan Markle has referred to her experience as a working royal as akin to being a “slave princess,” according to insights shared with
RadarOnline.com. This phrase reportedly reflects her tendency to exaggerate her hardships, as she enjoyed a life of luxury while grappling with the constraints of palace traditions.

The 44-year-old Duchess of Sussex reportedly had a hard time accepting the limitations placed on her conduct and position in comparison to
Kate Middleton, 43, the Princess of Wales.

Author Tom Quinn discusses in his new book that Markle felt restrained by royal protocol, igniting her lingering resentment towards the prospect of Prince Harry returning to royal life.

An insider mentioned: “She made it known by calling herself a ‘slave princess’ but the truth is, she had the luxury of living in a historic palace with domestic help, while simply expected to adhere to established royal conduct.”

The author also highlights Markle’s disappointment upon discovering that her family would be allotted a modest home at Kensington Palace instead of Windsor Castle, igniting her frustrations about her expectations versus reality in royal life.

Quinn noted, “In the history of the monarchy, never has the gap between expectations and reality been so vast.”

Throughout various interviews, the duchess has indicated her irritation regarding obligations around wardrobe and decorum. During a promotional event for the Netflix series
With Love, Meghan, she remarked on having to wear nude pantyhose and commented on authenticity in dressing: “It’s a small example, but it signifies a larger issue of expression and identity.”

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Since relocating to California in 2020, Markle has actively sought to regain her independence. Earlier this year, she proudly introduced her lifestyle brand As Ever, which featured a successfully received line of raspberry jam and flower sprinkles.

“If you’ve followed my journey since 2014 with The Tig, you would know my passion for cooking, crafting, and gardening—this is me doing what I love,” Meghan stated.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry, 41, has been reconnecting with his father, King Charles, 76, which marks a hopeful step towards family reconciliation. Their private meeting in London on September 10 reportedly went well, described as “super positive, very relaxed, and emotional, filled with hugs and tears.”

In subsequent engagements, particularly during his visit to Ukraine for the Invictus Games, Harry expressed his enduring affection for the U.K., remarking, “I have always loved the U.K. and I always will love the U.K. It has been wonderful to connect with the causes that truly matter to me.”