When Meghan Markle made her debut on a solo royal engagement, she was understandably nervous yet thrilled.
Notably, she had the late Queen Elizabeth II by her side, offering not just support but a masterclass in royal duties.
This much-publicized June 2018 event showcased the two ladies sharing laughter and bonding over shared interests, greatly delighting the watching public.
This initial outing seemed to signal the blossoming of a profound camaraderie.
In his memoir “Spare,” Prince Harry shared that discussions between Meghan and the Queen revolved around their mutual love for dogs and experiences in motherhood.
Body language experts noted Meghan’s anxiousness, but her joy was unmistakable as she absorbed the Queen’s presence and guidance.
Their relationship deepened when the Queen appointed Meghan as vice president of the Commonwealth Trust in March 2019, a role aimed at empowering the youth across Commonwealth nations.
This position, alongside Harry as president, was seen as a chance for the couple to infuse new energy into the organization, which holds great significance for both the royal family and the Commonwealth.
However, things took a drastic turn when Harry and Meghan’s Netflix documentary aired, filled with pointed criticisms of the Commonwealth that the Queen held dear.
Just weeks after the recording was completed, the Queen passed away in September 2022, leaving many to ponder her feelings had she witnessed the documentary.
Meghan’s excitement about her role with the Commonwealth Trust had initially been palpable.
She expressed her intent to spotlight partnerships with young people, particularly focusing on issues affecting women and girls.
With the Commonwealth encompassing a third of the world’s population—60% of whom are under 30—her work represented a significant commitment.
This appointment indicated that the Queen was beginning to trust Meghan.
After all, the Commonwealth was a cornerstone of her legacy, and she dedicated her life to serving it, a commitment she expressed on her 21st birthday in a speech in Cape Town, South Africa.
Unfortunately, the trust they built was shaken when Meghan and Harry stepped down from their royal duties.
Curiously, in their documentary, Meghan appeared to dismiss the Commonwealth.
The production featured experts who made statements characterizing the Commonwealth as “Empire 2.0,” a claim that would surely have pained the Queen given her lifelong dedication to fostering its values.
Critics emerged swiftly in response to these accusations, asserting that it was an affront not only to the Commonwealth but to the Queen’s legacy as well.
Royal experts and commentators voiced their outrage, lamenting that the Queen wasn’t around to defend herself against these pointed attacks on the institution she cherished.
As observers noted, the Commonwealth of today consists of 56 voluntary member nations that foster cooperation based on shared values of democracy and human rights, rather than the colonial perceptions highlighted in the documentary.
Even nations not colonized by Britain, such as Rwanda and Mozambique, recognized the benefits of joining this community.
Meghan’s portrayal of the Commonwealth alongside Harry’s comments stirred significant conversation regarding the accuracy of their narrative.
Critics pointed out that it failed to acknowledge the Queen’s own efforts to combat inequality, like her groundbreaking dance with Ghana’s President Kwame Nkrumah in 1961, which sent a powerful message against racism during a tumultuous time in history.
Despite her initial joy and camaraderie with the Queen, illustrated by shared moments like the gesture of warmth when Elizabeth offered Meghan a blanket, it seems that stark contrasts have come to define their relationship.
As Meghan reminisced about their first engagement, she expressed gratitude for the Queen’s welcome, but that gratitude was swiftly overshadowed by the harsh criticisms directed at the institution that the Queen held in such high regard.
Reflecting on their short time together, Meghan has stated that the Queen left a lasting impression on her life.
However, it’s tragic that just when it seemed they could build a meaningful bond, the Queen’s legacy was thrust into controversy, leaving many to wonder how she would have reconciled her love for the Commonwealth with the criticisms levied against it by those who once held its crown.