The two women have a number of things in common.
Throughout her relationship with Prince Harry, many have pointed out the similarities between Meghan Markle and Princess Diana.
While the two came from very different backgrounds, they are uncannily alike in a number of ways. These striking observations have intensified since the bombshell interview with Oprah aired this week.
Undoubtedly, Meghan’s subtle nod to Diana helped start the more recent conversation. In the tell-all interview, Meghan wears a bracelet that belonged to Harry’s mother.
Beyond this homage, here are six ways Meghan Markle and Princess Diana are similar.
1. Speaking out against the royal family
Meghan and Diana were unafraid to speak candidly about life in “the firm”. In 1995, 40% of the UK population tuned in as BBC journalist Martin Bashir interviewed Diana about her experience. During the Panaroma interview, Diana alluded to Charles’ relationship with Camilla: “There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.”
While Meghan continues to be supported by her husband, she has also spoken out against the family. For instance, she revealed to Oprah that a member of the family had “concerns” over Archie’s skin tone before he was born.
2. Lack of support
Both women claimed that they received little support as a royal. Diana said that joining the royal family was a “sink or swim” situation. She also described it as isolating.
Similarly, Meghan spoke about the family’s failure in protecting her from racism in the press. When she reached out for help, she was told that it “wouldn’t be good for the institution.”
3. Mental health struggles
In 1995, Diana opened up about her depression and eating disorder. Likewise, Meghan claimed that she experienced suicidal thoughts. Markle told Oprah that at one point she “just didn’t want to be alive anymore”.
Sadly, both women had their experiences with mental illness weaponised against them. Diana spoke about how she was labelled as “unstable”, and “mentally unbalanced”. In the wake of Meghan’s interview, Piers Morgan made disparaging comments about her mental health, and refused to believe her claims.
4. Hounded by the press
Diana received constant media attention right up until her death. At one stage, she confronted relentless photographers and told them they made her life “hell”.
Meghan too has been on the receiving end of constant attention from the media. In her Oprah interview, she spoke about how she is regularly pitted against Kate Middleton in order to fulfill the tabloids’ chosen narrative.
5. Life outside the monarchy
Both Meghan and Diana had ambitions outside of royal life. Diana, for instance, had an incredible passion for charity work. In the ’80s, she worked closely with HIV/AIDS patients. Her work in this arena was instrumental in removing the stigma that was attached to the syndrome.
Before marrying Harry, Meghan had established a successful acting career for herself. Like Diana, Meghan is also involved in charity work. As a vocal feminist, she is particularly passionate about women’s issues and has worked as an advocate for gender equality in the United Nations.
6. Devoted mothers
Meghan and Diana have both been very vocal about their love for their children. Meghan continues to make baby Archie a priority in her life. In the past, she said that he makes her “more courageous” and inspires her to make the world a better place.
Princess Diana also spoke passionately about her sons. “I love my sons,” she once said. “I’d be lost without them.”
