Why Meghan Markle Is So Problematic For The British Press

Her non-conformity once made for positive headlines, but – as Prince Harry tries to prevent history repeating itself – Meghan Markle's refusal to play the tabloid game has left the papers riled.

By Natalie Cornish

Culture

Her non-conformity once made for positive headlines, but – as Prince Harry tries to prevent history repeating itself – Meghan Markle's refusal to play the tabloid game has left the papers riled.

By Natalie Cornish

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Many believed Meghan Markle signalled the dawning of a new age for the British royal family when she married Prince Harry 18 months ago. Not only was she mixed-race, but a successful actress in her own right who refused to conform to outdated ‘princess’ stereotypes.

The newly-anointed Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s relationship with the British tabloid press started well. In the midst of Brexit chaos, a fairytale wedding, followed in quick succession by a pregnancy announcement and successful royal tour of the Pacific, their relationship seemed to be the good news the tabloids thought we needed. Where Kate Middleton had dominated the news agenda, there was now also Meghan, and, as any editor will tell you, she was a much-needed boost to the metrics that really matter: newspaper sales and website clicks.