Meghan Markle’s Ancestry Claims Spark Controversy and Debate

Meghan Markle recently stirred the pot with her claim that she is 43% Nigerian, a revelation stemming from a genealogy test she undertook a few years back.

This assertion has ignited a firestorm of criticism and skepticism, particularly on social media platforms like Reddit.

One user, who boasts extensive experience in genealogical research, has taken it upon themselves to challenge Meghan's claims, leading to a deeper exploration of her family history.

The controversy began when Markle made her comments, which many found hard to believe.

The Reddit user, delving into genealogical records, has concluded that Meghan's portrayal of her ancestry is less than accurate.

They pointed out that while Meghan's great-grandmother, Mary Byrd, was indeed born in Malta in 1862, the rest of her lineage does not support a strong Maltese connection.

Instead, her roots trace back to Ireland and England, with her mother hailing from Ireland and her father from England.

Interestingly, Meghan had previously visited Malta in 2015, an experience that she shared enthusiastically in Elle UK.

During that trip, she donned traditional Maltese attire and expressed how she felt a sense of belonging among the locals.

“People told me I'd fit right in, and I did,” she recalled, reveling in what she described as a lovely feeling.

However, this narrative has been called into question by genealogical findings that suggest her connection to Malta is tenuous at best.

According to the Reddit researcher, Meghan's great-grandmother's parents were married in Dublin, Ireland, not Malta, and their stay in Malta was brief—lasting perhaps only five years.

The misinformation seems to have been perpetuated by British tabloids, which incorrectly reported that Meghan's ancestors lived in Malta for two decades, thus exaggerating her Maltese heritage.

As the genealogist continued their investigation, they revealed that Mary Byrd's family moved to Canada shortly after her birth, further complicating the narrative that Meghan is somehow deeply connected to Malta.

This revelation has led to a chorus of voices questioning the authenticity of Meghan's claims about her heritage.

The reactions to Meghan's assertion of being 43% Nigerian have been mixed.

Some Twitter users embraced the idea, expressing excitement over the notion of a Nigerian presence in the royal family.

Others, however, took a more humorous approach, jokingly speculating about potential familial ties.

One user quipped, “What if she's my long lost cousin?” while another suggested that Meghan would soon reveal even more surprising ancestry on her podcast.

In the wake of her ancestry announcement, Markle and her husband, Prince Harry, made headlines again by donating to charities operating in Nigeria.

A representative from Spotify confirmed that their Archwell Foundation contributed to Save the Children and UNICEF, aligning with Meghan's newfound Nigerian identity.

However, the timing of these donations raised eyebrows, with critics suggesting they might be a strategic move to bolster her credibility amid the backlash.

Meghan's latest podcast episode also addressed allegations of her being difficult with staff, hinting at the ongoing scrutiny she faces as a public figure.

The discourse surrounding Meghan's claims has highlighted a broader conversation about identity, heritage, and the narratives we embrace.

As the debate rages on, it's clear that Meghan's story continues to evolve, often intersecting with public perceptions and media portrayals.

In this complex landscape of ancestry and public persona, Meghan Markle remains a figure of fascination and contention.

Whether her claims hold water or not, the discussions they provoke are sure to linger in the public consciousness for some time.