Meghan Markle Takes Aim at the “Duchess Difficult” Label

In a recent episode of her podcast “Archetypes,” Meghan Markle tackled the unflattering nickname “Duchess Difficult,” which has followed her since her entry into the royal family.

This label, often used by critics, was a focal point as she discussed the broader implications of derogatory terms aimed at women, particularly the b-word.

Markle described this specific term as a loaded insult that serves to undermine and dismiss women who assert themselves.

During the conversation with guests Melody Hobson and Victoria Jackson, Meghan unpacked how such labels are not just casual insults but rather coded language meant to belittle women.

She pointed out that when people call a woman “difficult,” it often translates to a more derogatory implication.

“It's really just a euphemism,” she explained, highlighting how these words are weaponized against women who dare to stand their ground.

The origin of the “Duchess Difficult” moniker dates back to her early days as a royal, shortly after her marriage to Prince Harry in May 2018.

Reports began circulating that Meghan was sending emails to her staff at Kensington Palace as early as 5 a.m., which led to perceptions of her being demanding and high-maintenance.

These portrayals were compounded by later accusations of bullying, which resulted in several staff resignations.

Critics have been quick to respond to Meghan's podcast, with some suggesting that her episodes are less about empowerment and more about self-justification.

One user on Reddit noted that while Meghan invites successful women to discuss their experiences, the conversations often circle back to her own grievances.

This has raised eyebrows about the authenticity of her intentions and whether these women are aware they might be used as a backdrop for her narrative.

Another commenter pointed out the irony in Meghan's choice of topics, suggesting that her podcast serves as a platform for her to manipulate public perception.

By inviting guests who embody stereotypes, she attempts to position herself as the antithesis of those labels, yet many listeners see through this strategy.

In the latest episode, Meghan also shared a personal anecdote about her childhood love for the game show “Jeopardy!”

She reminisced about how host Alex Trebek was a constant presence in her life.

However, her claim that she received condolences upon his passing in November 2020 sparked backlash, with critics questioning the validity of her connection to him.

Royal fans expressed their outrage, arguing that Trebek was a beloved Canadian icon whose influence spanned generations.

Many felt that Meghan's attempt to associate herself with his legacy was inappropriate and disrespectful.

“Why is he even mentioned in a discussion about bitches?” one critic fumed, suggesting that Markle often lacks boundaries in her storytelling.

Doubts about the authenticity of her claims grew as others questioned why she would receive condolences from people who had no direct relationship with her.

Comments ranged from disbelief to outright disdain, with some labeling her narratives as delusional and self-serving.

Angela M, another critic, highlighted a recurring theme in Meghan's behavior: making every topic revolve around her.

She described Meghan's tendency to fabricate emotions and experiences as embarrassing, pointing out that narcissists often evade accountability for their actions.

As the conversation surrounding Meghan continues to unfold, it appears that her podcast might serve dual purposes: addressing public criticism while simultaneously reinforcing her narrative.