Meghan Markle: The Tabloid Queen Who Became a Royal

In a fascinating throwback to 2013, we revisit a time when Meghan Markle was desperately trying to carve out her niche in the UK media landscape.

Back then, she was not the household name she is today but rather an ambitious actress eager for attention.

Reports reveal that she even went as far as to plead with journalist Katie Hynde for a few precious column inches in the tabloid Sunday People.

Just six inches of print was all she desired to make her mark.

At the heart of this request was a story about footballer Ashley Cole, who was reportedly infatuated with her.

Those familiar with Tom Bauer's book “Revenge” might recall that Meghan reached out directly to him, seeking an introduction through Lizzie Cundey, a mutual acquaintance.

In a 2019 column for the Daily Mail, Hynde recounted how, despite her role in the American series “Suits,” Meghan was largely unknown in the UK at the time.

Desperate to make a name for herself across the pond, Meghan's UK publicist practically begged Hynde, then a journalist for a red-top newspaper, to meet with her.

Their meeting was friendly, and during their conversation, Meghan even sought advice on whether to date Cole, who wasn't exactly known for his sensitivity.

It seemed like Meghan was grateful for the help, and they shared a hug after their chat.

Fast forward to last weekend, when Meghan sat down for an interview with ITV's Tom Bradby.

She expressed surprise at the intense scrutiny from the UK media, claiming that as an American, she was blissfully unaware of the tabloid culture.

This revelation struck me as ironic, given how hard she had worked to secure that very media attention just a few years prior.

In fact, I recall a night when I intervened to prevent Meghan from becoming just another one of Cole's romantic interests.

Having covered the ups and downs of his marriage to Cheryl, I felt it was my duty to share insights on his history of infidelity.

After their split, numerous women came forward with their own stories about him, leaving Meghan visibly disappointed, hinting that she might have been smitten with the idea of being with him.

It was clear that Meghan craved fame and thought she could manage the spotlight.

Yet, despite her confidence, her journey has been anything but smooth.

The very attention she once sought has turned into a burden she struggles to bear.

Her attempts to navigate the tabloids—frequently walking past press offices and seemingly dropping hints about her whereabouts—paint a picture of someone who was not just a victim but also an active participant in the media circus.

Interestingly, some insiders have suggested that the palace only began leaking information when Meghan entered the scene.

This raises questions about her narrative of being a target, especially considering her collaboration with journalist Omid Scobie on a controversial book.

The image she portrays of innocence and victimhood seems at odds with her previous actions.

Critics argue that Meghan's portrayal of herself as someone yearning for a normal life is disingenuous.

Many have pointed out that from the start, she seemed more interested in leveraging her royal connection to gain a foothold in Hollywood.

With no ties to her family and a relentless pursuit of the limelight, her intentions were often scrutinized.

When Meghan asked if Harry was “nice,” and pretended not to know who he was, it raised eyebrows.

Her actions have led many to question her authenticity.

Was she genuinely seeking love, or was she simply playing a role in a larger game?