Meghan Markle, 42, Sees Herself as Princess Diana’s ‘Heir’: Royal Expert Explains the Sign

In the realms of royalty and celebrity, few figures have captivated the public imagination as deeply as Princess Diana and Meghan Markle. Now, a royal expert has weighed in on Markle’s mindset.

Since the beginning of her relationship with Prince Harry, Meghan Markle has been heavily scrutinized by the public. Some have compared her to Princess Diana and others have said she could never measure up to her late-mother-in-law.

Princess Diana during a trip to Canada in May 1986 | Source: Getty Images

Princess Diana, a beacon of compassion and a disruptor of the traditional royal protocol, left a legacy of humanitarian work and personal vulnerability that reshaped the British monarchy.

Markle, an American actress turned Duchess of Sussex, has carved her own path, challenging norms and facing intense scrutiny while navigating her role within the same institution.

Recently, Markle, at the age of 42, embarked on a new venture, launching her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. This move, rich in ambition and personal expression, has reignited conversations about her connection to Diana’s legacy, stirring insights from royal experts and evoking varied reactions from the public.

American Riviera Orchard represents Markle’s latest step in crafting a life that merges public influence with private entrepreneurial ambition.

The brand, which will offer an array of homewares products, signifies her commitment to creating a legacy that transcends her royal title.

Meghan Markle as seen in a March 14, 2024 YouTube post | Source: Youtube.com/@pagesix

Notably, the brand’s launch coincided with The Diana Award ceremony, a decision that royal expert Tom Quinn suggests is no mere coincidence.

According to Quinn, Markle sees herself as “Diana’s heir,” a woman who, like her late mother-in-law, faces the media’s glare but strives to leverage her platform for personal and broader societal gain.

However, this alignment with Diana’s legacy has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a respectful nod to the past, while others criticize it as capitalizing on royal connections.

Princess Diana at her home, Highgrove House, in Doughton, Gloucestershire, 18th July 1986 | Source: Getty Images

The parallels drawn between Markle and Princess Diana are not new. Prince Harry himself has often highlighted the similarities between the two most influential women in his life.

In their Netflix documentary series, “Harry & Meghan,” Harry emphasized Markle’s compassion, empathy, and warmth, traits he deeply associates with his mother.

Meghan Markle and her son, Archie, at the Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town on September 25, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

This comparison extends beyond personality traits, touching on their shared experiences with media scrutiny and their desire to use their public platforms for advocacy and change.

In an excerpt from the documentary, Prince Harry recalled a night when he and Meghan were staying in a room at Buckingham Palace following a royal engagement.

Although most royal family members were there, including his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, the person the media chose to portray on the front page was Markle.

Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry at Buckingham Palace as the Royal family attend events to mark the Centenary of the RAF on July 10, 2018 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Many royal fans accused Markle of trying to steal the spotlight from other royals, but Prince Harry clarified that the media chose who they put on the front page, not the royals.

Yet, this connection to Diana’s legacy is a double-edged sword, offering both a source of inspiration and a potential point of contention within and outside the royal family.

Critics argue that Markle’s business endeavors, particularly the timing of her brand’s launch, reflect a calculated move to align her image with Diana’s enduring influence.

Princess Diana Serpentine Gallery, London, in June 1994 | Source: Getty Images

This perspective suggests a complex navigation of personal ambition and public perception, where every decision is scrutinized for its authenticity and respect for royal traditions.

Yet, supporters see Markle’s actions as a continuation of Diana’s legacy, a way of honoring her memory by embodying the same spirit of independence and social consciousness.

The launch of American Riviera Orchard, therefore, is more than just the introduction of a new brand. It’s a statement of identity and purpose from Markle, a declaration of how she wishes to be seen and remembered.

By aligning her entrepreneurial ventures with Diana’s legacy, Markle is carving a space where her work can be both personally fulfilling and beneficial to others.

Meghan Markle greets Yuliia 'Taira' Paievska during the Swimming Medals Ceremony during day seven of the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 on September 16, 2023 in Duesseldorf, Germany | Source: Getty Images

However, the path she navigates is fraught with comparisons and expectations, where her every move is seen through the lens of her late mother-in-law’s shadow.

As Markle continues to build her brand and define her public persona, the conversation around her connection to Princess Diana’s legacy is unlikely to wane.

The move to start a business comes at the same time as Markle carving out her identity on hers and her husband’s new website. We previously reported that the pair launched a new website in which Markle altered her publicly-used name.

As Prince Harry and Markle launched the new website, they transitioned from the Sussex Royal URL handle to simply Sussex. Despite stepping back from official royal duties, they continue to use their titles. The website includes a section designed to offer the public more insight into their lives and work.

Notably, Meghan’s page introduces her using only her first name, omitting her family name. This decision reflects a common practice among British Royals, who are frequently referred to by their first names and titles.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at The Sunken Gardens at Kensington Palace on November 27, 2017 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan’s narrative on the site includes her upbringing, painting a picture of her journey from a young South California girl to the influential figure she is today. The page also featured her advocacies for women, mental health, gender equality, and family care.

Meghan’s impact and recognition are also highlighted through her inclusion in various world rankings, marking her as a notable figure on the global stage.

Now residing in California as a mother of two, Meghan and Harry have embarked on a new chapter away from their roles as senior members of the British Royal Family.

Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, whose names are emblematic of their continued connection to Harry’s heritage, are a significant part of their lives in America.

Following their move, the couple launched the Archewell Foundation and introduced the podcast “Archetypes,” initiatives that underline their ongoing commitment to public service and discourse.

Meghan’s details are available on the Royal Family’s official website, though it offers limited information about her advocacies and activities.

It mentions that she and her husband have stepped back as senior members, stating, “The Duchess will continue to support various charitable causes and organizations that align with her longstanding interests, including the arts, education access, women’s support, and animal welfare.”

Recently, in light of King Charles’ recent cancer diagnosis, Prince Harry returned to London to be by his father’s side. However, Meghan Markle decided to stay in America during this period.

The reasons behind Meghan’s choice to remain in America, while not confirmed were revealed by the King’s former butler, Grant Harrold.

“Meghan made the decision that it was best to stay home with the children, and maybe she feels that this is something Harry has got to do alone,” he said. “It’s his father. She’s aware of the close relationship and probably encouraged him to come over.

I Discovered My MIL Living in Our Attic — What She Was Hiding Shocked Me

When Ella hears strange noises coming from her attic while her husband, Aaron, is away, she fears the worst. But nothing could prepare her for the shocking discovery of her mother-in-law, Diane, hiding upstairs… What is going on?

It all started about a month ago, right after my husband, Aaron, left for a weeklong work trip. I’d never minded being alone in our cozy suburban house before, until the noises started.

A man walking out of a house | Source: Midjourney

A man walking out of a house | Source: Midjourney

At first, it was just the occasional soft thud from above. I brushed it off, telling myself the house was just settling. And if I’m being honest, our attic wasn’t really an attic.

It was a room on the third floor that had large windows that Aaron and I had boarded up when we moved in, and there was a thin balcony with a staircase leading to the ground floor.

We assumed that it was a sunroom or an art studio before we moved in.

An empty room | Source: Midjourney

An empty room | Source: Midjourney

I always planned on turning the space into something for myself, but the opportunity just never presented itself.

I heard another sound, and my breath caught. Old houses creak, right? Maybe a squirrel or two had found their way into the attic. But then, the sounds became more frequent, and more… human.

Whispering, faint but unmistakable.

A squirrell in an attic | Source: Midjourney

A squirrell in an attic | Source: Midjourney

One night, lying in bed scrolling through my phone, I heard it.

There it was, a low, guttural moan. My stomach twisted, my breath catching in my throat.

This wasn’t a squirrel. No way.

I grabbed my phone and texted Aaron immediately.

A woman using her phone | Source: Midjourney

A woman using her phone | Source: Midjourney

I think something, or someone, is in the attic!

His reply was just as immediate:

Ella, it’s probably nothing. I’ll check when I get back.

His casual response annoyed me. How could he be so dismissive?

I resolved to ignore the noises, telling myself I was overreacting.

A concerned woman | Source: Midjourney

A concerned woman | Source: Midjourney

But a few days later, when I was getting ready for bed, I heard footsteps. Like real, heavy footsteps above me.

That was the breaking point. Suddenly, I couldn’t wait for Aaron to come home anymore. What was the point? There could have been someone sleeping under the same roof as me the entire time! I no longer felt safe.

Grabbing the baseball bat we kept in the garage for emergencies, I texted him again, letting him know I was going up to investigate.

A baseball bat in a garage | Source: Midjourney

A baseball bat in a garage | Source: Midjourney

His response chilled me to the bone.

Ella, please, love. Wait for me to check the attic. It’s really important that I do it.

Why wouldn’t he want me to go up there? What did he know? My mind spun with questions. Was he hiding something? Was I in danger?

Was someone squatting in our home?

A woman looking concerned | Source: Midjourney

A woman looking concerned | Source: Midjourney

Despite the knot tightening in my stomach, I couldn’t stop myself. I needed to know for myself.

With every creaky step up the narrow staircase, my heart pounded harder. I gripped the bat like it was my lifeline and pushed open the door to the attic.

The sight in front of me made me freeze.

There she was. My mother-in-law, Diane!

A narrow staircase | Source: Midjourney

A narrow staircase | Source: Midjourney

She was standing in the middle of the attic, dressed in a nightgown and robe, holding a paintbrush like a deer caught in headlights.

“What on earth are you doing here?” I shrieked, almost falling over my own feet. “Why did you moan? Are you okay? Did you get hurt?”

What was going on? Seriously.

An older woman holding paintbrushes | Source: Midjourney

An older woman holding paintbrushes | Source: Midjourney

Diane’s face flushed with embarrassment as she dropped the brush and held up her hands.

“Ella! Calm down! It’s not what you think!”

“Not what I think? I don’t even know what I think, Diane! You’re living in my attic?”

She sighed and rubbed her temples, muttering under her breath.

A shocked woman | Source: Midjourney

A shocked woman | Source: Midjourney

“I knew this was going to happen, but Aaron just doesn’t listen. Just… just sit down for a second. I’ll explain everything.”

I didn’t move, still gripping the bat, as if for moral support.

My mother-in-law was an assertive woman who rarely seemed fazed by anything. Seeing her look this sheepish was unsettling. After a beat, I slowly lowered myself onto a dusty box, keeping my eyes on her.

A dusty wooden box | Source: Midjourney

A dusty wooden box | Source: Midjourney

“Okay, look,” she began, her voice tinged with guilt. “Your husband is going to kill me for ruining the surprise. But you deserve to know, Ella. Aaron’s been working on something special for you!”

I raised my eyebrow.

“What kind of special involves you squatting in my attic? Are you the new resident ghost?”

She winced.

A frowning woman | Source: Midjourney

A frowning woman | Source: Midjourney

“I’m not squatting! Aaron wanted to create a space for you. Like… a space where you could finally turn your baking hobby into something more. He decided to renovate the attic into a studio.”

That caught me off guard.

“What? A studio?”

A woman in the kitchen | Source: Midjourney

A woman in the kitchen | Source: Midjourney

“For your dream, Ella,” she said, gesturing around the room. “Look, this is an attic where we would be able to cook or bake up here. There’s enough room. Aaron wanted to surprise you with a space where you could bake, experiment, and maybe even start selling your creations. But he’s been terrible with design! So he asked me to come over and help. Every day, after you leave for work, I come in and oversee the contractors.”

“Contractors?” I asked.

I felt stupid. Diane was saying things, but my brain just wasn’t processing any of it.

Contractors working in a room | Source: Midjourney

Contractors working in a room | Source: Midjourney

“Yes, contractors. We’ve sorted out the plumbing so that you’ll have a fully functional kitchen. The electricians are coming in next week to sort out the plugs. And I’ve been coming in to decorate and paint and all those cute things…”

Aaron and Diane had been hiding this? Also, how had I not noticed any of it? Was I seriously that aloof?

“But why stay here?” I asked, still suspicious. “In the attic?”

An electrician working | Source: Midjourney

An electrician working | Source: Midjourney

“In the studio, you mean?” she said. “I wasn’t actually staying here full-time. I just kept coming and going through the balcony and the staircase on the side. I didn’t want to keep dropping by and risk you catching on.”

“And the moaning and groaning?” I asked.

Diane bit her lip, looking truly mortified.

An older woman with her hand on her head | Source: Midjourney

An older woman with her hand on her head | Source: Midjourney

“I completely underestimated how tough this would be on my back. The moans were me… stretching, darling.”

I stared at her, trying to reconcile the bizarre reality in front of me. Slowly, I took in the space. The attic, though still a work in progress, was beautiful.

The huge windows were cleaned, all the dust and grime removed, and I could imagine the light streaming in during the day. It would be perfect.

A surprised woman | Source: Midjourney

A surprised woman | Source: Midjourney

I took in the half-painted walls which bore whimsical murals of cupcakes and rolling pins. Sketches were pinned everywhere, showing shelves for ingredients, a central island for prep work, and a cozy sitting area by the windows.

Pinned on one board was a blueprint with a title in Aaron’s handwriting:

Ella’s Baking Studio

Sketches on a wall | Source: Midjourney

Sketches on a wall | Source: Midjourney

My throat tightened.

“This is really for me?” I asked.

Diane nodded, her face softening.

“He wanted you to have a space where you could do what you love. He’s been feeling guilty about how busy he’s been with work. He thought this would show how much he appreciates everything you do.”

A smiling man | Source: Midjourney

A smiling man | Source: Midjourney

I sat there in stunned silence as tears pricked my eyes.

Days of paranoia, thinking there was some dark secret lurking in our attic… only to find this?

A gift born from love and thoughtfulness?

Later that evening, Aaron called. I could hear the tension in his voice when he spoke.

A woman talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney

A woman talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney

“Ella, please tell me that you didn’t go up there. I’ll ask Kevin from next door to check.”

“I did,” I admitted. “Aaron… I don’t even know what to say.”

There was a beat of silence, followed by a soft laugh.

“Well, there goes the surprise.”

A smiling man | Source: Midjourney

A smiling man | Source: Midjourney

“I don’t deserve this,” I admitted.

“According to whom?” he asked. “You’re the glue that holds our family together, Ella. This is just my way of showing you how much I love you. And that you don’t have to stay at your job if you don’t want to. This can be your new start.”

When Aaron came home a few days later, we all worked together to finish the studio. Diane proved invaluable; her eye for décor was something else.

A mural painted onto a wall | Source: Midjourney

A mural painted onto a wall | Source: Midjourney

The space turned out better than I could have imagined. Every time I step into that sun-kissed studio, surrounded by shelves lined with jars of baking delights, I’m reminded of the love that went into it.

Diane and I have grown closer since that day, though I still tease her about the “attic residency” moment in our lives.

Sometimes, life’s twists aren’t about shocking betrayals or sinister secrets; they’re about uncovering the quiet, unexpected ways the people around us show their love.

A beautiful baking studio | Source: Midjourney

A beautiful baking studio | Source: Midjourney

Brenda thought her marriage to a widower would be her chance to build a loving, blended family. But when her young stepson insists his “real mom” is still living in their house, strange occurrences and hidden secrets force Brenda to question everything she thought she knew about her new family.

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

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