Princess Anne once left Meghan Markle “dumbfounded” when the actress sought out the hardworking royal for advice early on in her royal career. The Princess Royal reportedly advised the Duchess of Sussex to think of being royal “as a job” and not a means to become hugely famous.
Princess Anne reportedly offered Meghan Markle some straightforward advice when she joined the royal family, emphasizing that being royal is more than a title—it’s a job. According to royal expert Neil Sean, when Meghan sought guidance from Anne, she was met with no-nonsense wisdom.
Princess Anne, known for her tireless dedication to royal duties, explained that the role involves showing up, doing the work, and staying out of the spotlight. She emphasized the importance of being punctual, well-prepared, and focused on representing the monarchy rather than seeking personal attention.
Anne’s advice also touched on the importance of genuinely committing to the charities one supports. She stressed that it’s not just about being affiliated with causes, but truly getting involved and immersing oneself in the work. Meghan reportedly left this conversation feeling a bit surprised by the frank approach.
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, speaking with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021.
“According to a very good source, Meghan Markle failed to warm to Princess Anne. And Princess Anne always knew that Meghan would have a very short shelf-life in the world of the British monarchy,” Sean concluded.
The Duchess of Sussex eventually decided not to follow Anne’s advice, as she found her brief tenure as a working senior royal to be troubling. She would go on to recount her experiences when she sat down with Oprah Winfrey, along with her husband, Prince Harry, in an explosive March 2021 interview.
Meghan Markle told Oprah Winfrey about her struggles with depression while in the royal family.
As The Royal Observer previously reported, Meghan got very candid in the question and answer session when it came to her mental health. “I just didn’t see a solution; I don’t understand how all of this is being churned out — again, I wasn’t seeing it, but it’s worse when you see it through your mom [and] friends,” she told the influential media mogul.