Royal expert claims Meghan Markle could reach 'breaking point' amid growing criticism
Meghan Markle has weathered more than her share of criticism since the news she was dating Prince Harry broke. And it has only intensified since their marriage and the birth of their first child. Royal commenter Victoria Arbiter praised the Duchess today for her handling of the criticism, and warned the she could reach her "breaking point" because of the negativity she has been facing.
Most recently, the Duchess was mom-shamed for how she held her son Archie, and unlike her former peers in Hollywood, she’s no longer allowed to “clap back at the haters.”
Speaking to Today, Arbiter, who covered the royal wedding for CNN alongside Anderson Cooper said: "As far as her American fans go, there has been a sense there’s not been enough done to protect her – at some point, you have to wonder what is going to be the breaking point.”
"Yes, she keeps on trucking at the moment but it can’t be anything but incredibly difficult. We need to let Meghan blossom and let her do the job she’s in the Royal Family to do and perhaps hold back on some of the criticism."
She also seemed to suggest that Meghan, a former actress, may be struggling with the Royal Family's tradition not to address negative reports directly.
"It’s very difficult when you come from previously celebrity background where a publicist can stand up for you or come out and say, ‘no, that report is categorically untrue,’” Arbiter explained.
READ MORE: Meghan Markle on the struggles of royal life
Surprisingly, the Duchess may have made the most candid comment she’s ever given about the treatment she has received on the red carpet for the premiere of The Lion King, while speaking with Pharrell Williams.
Williams praised Meghan and Harry's marriage. “So happy for your union,” Williams says. “Love is amazing. It’s wonderful. Don’t ever take that for granted, but what it means in today’s climate, I just wanted to tell you, it’s so significant for so many of us. Seriously. It’s significant. We cheer you guys on.”
"Thank you," Meghan responded. "They don't make it easy."
While the “they” wasn’t spelled out, it does seem to line up with how the Duchess of Sussex has felt about the British press's constant criticism of her.
Meghan told Vanity Fair in her last interview before she and Harry were engaged that she doesn't read tabloid reports. “I don’t read any press. I haven’t even read press for Suits," she said. (Meghan was still on Suits then.) "The people who are close to me anchor me in knowing who I am. The rest is noise.”
Words by Tanya Edwards.
