The Duchess of Sussex has faced repeated scrutiny over her conduct before and after stepping back from royal duties with Prince Harry. Critics have pointed to several controversial moments, including her reenactment of her first curtsy to Queen Elizabeth II in the Harry & Meghan docuseries and the couple’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Meghan also spoke openly about struggling with her mental health while pregnant with Prince Archie, claiming she did not receive the support she needed from within the royal institution.
The latest backlash reportedly began after Martha Stewart revealed at an A-list dinner that she had spoken to someone within Meghan’s California circle about the duchess’s meeting with King Charles.
Previous reports suggested that Harry and Meghan had been specifically asked not to discuss the meeting publicly or share any photographs from it.
Speaking to the Daily Express, US-based columnist Lee Cohen delivered a blistering assessment of Meghan’s relationship with the Royal Family.
“She brought endless drama, grievance and attention-seeking to an institution built on duty, discretion and service, casting a shadow over the final years of the beloved late Queen,” he claimed.
Cohen went on to accuse Meghan of choosing commercial opportunities and publicity over loyalty to the monarchy.
“Rather than embracing the privilege she was given, she chose profit and publicity over loyalty, and in doing so incinerated every bridge behind her,” he said.
He then dismissed the possibility of another reconciliation, adding: “Another chance? The only thing she deserves is permanent exile from the family she insulted so despicably.”
Royal editor Emily Andrews previously said King Charles had wanted his meeting with the Sussexes at Highgrove to remain completely confidential.
“There has been no briefing from either Team Sussex or Buckingham Palace on what took place at Highgrove over tea, and certainly no photographs,” she said.
According to Woman & Home, Andrews added that the secrecy was likely requested by the King himself.
“That will have been the King’s express request, that it should happen completely privately and stay that way,” she explained.
Neither Meghan nor Harry has publicly responded to Cohen’s comments.
