Analysis: Why Meghan Can't Win

And what the Sussexes can do to change that

Hello Dear Readers,

Back in May 2013, Prince Harry visited two Jersey Shore communities that were badly hit by Hurricane Sandy. According to reports, he was really impressed by how strong the people there were, saying he saw a true “American spirit” in their recovery.

Prince Harry and Gov. Chris Christie on Tuesday toured Mantoloking, N.J., which was devastated by Hurricane Sandy.

With Governor Chris Christie by his side as his guide, Prince Harry toured Mantoloking and Seaside Heights, two towns left in ruins by Hurricane Sandy. He walked along the shores of the Barnegat Bay, where countless homes had been obliterated, stopping to talk to residents and express his gratitude to the brave first responders who’d been working tirelessly to help.

This visit occurred seven months after the storm broke land and the visit was hailed as a success. Fast forward 12 years? Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are making headlines again. They’re being branded as ambulance chasers and “disaster tourists” in the wake of the California fires. Even when they show compassion for the victims of a devastating catastrophe, people assume it’s a self-serving PR stunt. Anytime they try to help, it’s met with skepticism and derision. Why is that?

An article written by fellow Historian Tessa Dunlop in The Independent titled “There’s a Good Reason Why Meghan Markle is So Bad at Being Good” attempts to answer that question. Before we delve into the specifics of her argument and give our thoughts, we want to emphasize that we believe Meghan is genuinely saddened by the devastating fires ravaging Southern California. Anyone who wouldn't be deeply affected by this tragedy would lack empathy. The destruction and the disruption to people's lives are truly unimaginable. Seeing the images and videos of destroyed homes is heartbreaking. As someone who grew up in Los Angeles, Meghan likely has personal connections to this crisis. She may know people who have been directly impacted by the fires or have had to evacuate their homes. The emotional toll of this event must be significant for her.

Harry and Meghan visiting the relief site for Jose Andres’s World Central Kitchen in Pasadena aligns with their charity network. She and Prince Harry, according to insiders (more on this later) have also supported the relief efforts by donating supplies, an undisclosed sum of money, and sharing helpful resources on their website, just as many other celebrities have done.

So why, as Dunlop asks, are the Sussexes “damned if they do and damned if they don’t”? Why does it feel like the Sussexes are the ones singled out for derision and criticism “despite a raft of A-list stars rallying to the cause – Sharon Stone, Halle Berry, Jennifer Garner and Charli XCX to name a few”. Put simply it comes down to three things: Timing, Perception and the struggle