The Quiet Duchess: Why Meghan Markle's Voice Has Muted Amidst Controversy
The Meghan Markle Enigma: Has the Duchess of Sussex Lost Her Voice?
In a shocking turn of events, America is once again reeling from the news of yet another senseless murder, this time targeting conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The nation's trauma is palpable as citizens demand answers and seek solace in the words of leaders who dare to speak out. Amidst this chaos, one person's silence has raised eyebrows: Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.
Just two years ago, Meghan made headlines for her impassioned speech at her old Los Angeles high school, where she told students that "the only wrong thing to say is to say nothing." Her words echoed the sentiments of a nation yearning for change and seeking courage in the face of adversity. Yet, fast-forward to present day, and it seems Meghan has undergone an inexplicable transformation.
While her Instagram account has seen a resurgence with idyllic family moments and picturesque garden scenes, there's been a conspicuous absence of commentary on the issues that once defined her. Her podcast, Archetypes, was dropped by Spotify in June 2023, but she didn't let that setback deter her. Confessions of a Female Founder debuted in April to much fanfare, yet as of now, only nine episodes have been released. The last one dropped in June, leaving fans wondering if the show will see a second season.
Theories abound about Meghan's apparent pivot from substance to style. Natalie Trice, a PR expert with three decades of experience, suspects that Netflix might be orchestrating her new approach. As the exclusive promoter of both her shows and lifestyle brand, As Ever, Netflix has a vested interest in keeping Meghan's voice soft-spoken.
"It's a delicate balance," Trice explained to TheScholarlyNote.com. "Say too much, she's criticized; say nothing, and she's accused of being performative. It's a classic case of 'damned if she does, damned if she doesn't'."
But what about her long-held convictions? Where's the fire that once drove her to challenge the status quo? In 2016, Meghan didn't hesitate to call out Donald Trump on Comedy Central's late-night show, labeling him "misogynistic" and "divisive." When he fired back with a nasty tweet, she stood firm, saying, "I'm not going to let anyone silence me."
In the years that followed, Meghan continued to champion causes close to her heart. She spoke out on racism within the British royal family, supported paid family leave, and advocated for voting rights. Her words were met with both praise and criticism, but she remained undeterred.
However, it seems that her crusading spirit has waned of late. When a gunman stormed the Uvalde school in May 2022, leaving 21 innocent lives lost, Meghan visited the town and sent a heartfelt letter to the Moms Demand Action movement. She even returned with Prince Harry in March 2024 to pay respects to the family of teacher Irma Garcia.
Yet, when last month's Minneapolis church shooting shook the nation, Meghan remained eerily quiet. The same silence greeted her when rumors swirled about her running for office – a notion she vehemently denied, saying, "No, never."
Mark Borkowski, a crisis PR consultant, believes that Meghan has learned an important lesson: volume doesn't equate to influence. Her early days as a vocal advocate were met with both admiration and skepticism. The constant scrutiny and criticism took its toll on her brand.
"Meghan realized that being loud didn't translate into real impact," Borkowski said. "Her commercial partners, including Netflix, don't want noise – they want focus. A glossy docuseries or lifestyle brand can't thrive if the headlines are dominated by controversy."
As we gaze upon Meghan's carefully curated social media feed, filled with idyllic family moments and picturesque garden scenes, it's hard not to wonder: Has the Duchess of Sussex lost her voice? Or is she merely biding her time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike back?
While some speculate that Netflix might be orchestrating her new approach, others argue that Meghan has simply chosen to redirect her energy toward more intentional, thoughtful advocacy. After all, as Michelle Obama so eloquently put it, "When you have anger, channel that energy into something that makes a difference."
The question remains: Will we see the fiery, outspoken advocate of yesteryear re-emerge, or will Meghan continue down this new path, one where her voice is carefully curated for maximum impact? Only time will tell.
