Meghan Markle has emerged as a symbol of resilience for many, as her ongoing tensions with the British royal family continue to draw attention, according to Royal commentator Edward Coram-James.
The Duchess of Sussex, who stepped down from royal duties alongside Prince Harry four years ago, has often spoken about the challenges she faced within The Firm.
In her candid interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan revealed feeling “silenced” by the royal family.
Recently, she hinted that her life “gets better” every year, signalling a positive outlook despite past adversities.
The Mirror quoted James, who shared insights into Meghan’s journey and said, “In the US, the narrative surrounding Meghan and Harry is quite nuanced. While they’ve faced backlash here, Meghan, in particular, has benefited from being seen as a symbol of resilience against adversity.”
Coram-James highlighted how Meghan’s story of navigating the pressures of monarchy and public scrutiny resonates with many Americans. “Many Americans resonate with her story of breaking free from the constraints of the monarchy and the press,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry has also garnered support for his openness about mental health struggles, a topic that continues to hold significant importance in the US. Coram-James noted, “Harry’s frankness about mental health has struck a chord in a country that values openness about personal struggles.”
Harry has openly addressed his battles with anxiety and agoraphobia. In his memoir Spare, he shared, “I was an agoraphobe. Which was nearly impossible given my public role.” Agoraphobia is a condition marked by extreme fear of certain situations, including crowds, and can lead individuals to avoid leaving their homes.
In the Apple TV series ‘The Me You Can’t See’, Harry reflected on his struggles, saying, “Panic attacks, severe anxiety. And 28 to probably 32 was a nightmare time in my life. From freaking out every single time I jump in the car and every single time that I see a camera.”
He credited therapy for equipping him with the tools to cope, describing it as a turning point that allowed him to face life’s challenges.