If I ever become a Duchess and the world starts talking about how I’m “difficult” or there’s spicy reports that I’m fighting with my brother-in-law and his wife, let it be known that I give full permission to my besties to talk to People magazine and defend my honour. Why? Because that’s exactly what some mates of one Meghan Markle have done and it’s actually hit me squarely in the feels.
[jwplayer YSxwrdaK]
Whether this is a genuine, heartfelt effort from Meg’s circle of friends to set the record straight or whether *puts cynical hat on* it’s a stitch-up orchestrated by Meghan herself remains a mystery, but this week the US tabloid has published a mind-blowing interview with five anonymous people that they claim are very close to the Duchess of Sussex, who of course married Prince Harry last May.
The five gals touch on various hot topics in the unprecedented chat, including her vile half-sister Samantha Markle, her troubled relationship with her father Thomas Markle Sr, and the tabloid reports that Meghan is treating everyone like shit now that she’s legit royalty.
While the full article is in the magazine itself (and I’m flying to Hawaii later today so you best BELIEVE I’m buying it the second I land), People‘s site has some choice quotes, while US breakfast show Good Morning America also reported on some of the interview.
The friends kick things off by saying that while they’ve maintained their silence for two years, they can’t just sit back and let their bud be “bullied” in such a way. One of the friends, which People identify only as a “former co-star” (was it Donna from Suits? Please tell me it was Donna from Suits!) says that she did the interview to “stand up against the global bullying we are seeing and speak the truth about our friend”. The ex-colleague adds:
Meg has silently sat back and endured the lies and untruths. We worry about what this is doing to her and the baby. It’s wrong to put anyone under this level of emotional trauma, let alone when they’re pregnant.
According to GMA, the interview reveals details of a heartfelt letter Meghan sent to her estranged dad after her wedding, which read: “I’m so heartbroken, I love you. I have one father. Please stop victimising me through the media so we can repair our relationship.” The friends reckon Thomas’ only response was to ask for a photo opp with her, adding: “He knows how to get in touch with her. He’s never called. He’s never texted. It’s super painful.”
As for Samantha, who has been trash-talking Meghan since her relationship with Harry was first confirmed, a friend points out to People that it’s not some feud between close sisters. “They have been made to appear as siblings who had this falling out, and that’s not the truth at all. [Samantha and brother Thomas Jr] were not a part of [Meghan’s] life.”
The friends say stories and online commenters slamming Meghan for being “fake” are just plain wrong, with a “longtime friend” saying:
When I see her at engagements, folks will say, ‘This is the biggest acting job in the world. She’s acting.’ I’ll say, ‘No, this is how she is,’ . She’s so genuine in her love to connect with people and feels so grateful to be able to do that.
Onto her rumoured feud with sister-in-law Kate Middleton, which her friends of course say it is “untrue” and that all the reporting about it has “upset Meghan”. The group of pals also defend their mate’s “difficult boss” reputation, saying that “everything Meg stands for is supporting and empowering women.” A former co-star adds:
I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Meg is a team player. But even when she takes a back seat, she’s a leader of group morale. She would always do spirit boosters for the crew on-set—for example, having gourmet burgers delivered.
On a less dramatic note, the gals also revealed fun little tidbits about Meghan, my favourite being this line from a former colleague about what a good cook she is: “She can make a five-star meal out of the garbage in your refrigerator.”
This will forever be the yardstick for me to measure my own friends’ worth, tbh.
