Meghan Markle has been compared to one of the most controversial figures in royal history, Anne Boleyn, amid ongoing debate about her departure from royal life alongside Prince Harry.
The comparison was made by author Catherine Mayer, who argued that both women were viewed as outsiders and faced intense hostility after entering the royal fold. The remarks come as reports suggest Harry and Meghan are considering spending more time in Australia following their warmly received visit to the country earlier this year.
Meghan Markle has been linked to controversial royal predecessor Anne Boleyn, who served as Queen Consort during her marriage to King Henry VIII.
On the surface, the two women appear to have little in common. Meghan lives in Montecito with Prince Harry and their two children, while Anne met a notorious end in 1536 after being accused of treason.
However, while promoting her new book, “Divide and Rule: Royal Women and Their Battles,” author Catherine Mayer suggested that Meghan’s “brutal” departure from royal life mirrors Anne’s experience in several ways, particularly as both women were viewed as cultural outsiders.
“Critics hold [Anne] solely responsible for her own downfall. If you assume this to be a description of Meghan, you’re right – but here’s the thing: the same details apply, word for word, to Anne Boleyn,” Mayer wrote in the book, per Sky News.
Meghan’s Reputation Was ‘Damned,’ Author Claims
Mayer went on to describe Meghan as the least popular royal “except for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor,” who lost his royal patronages and military affiliations following scrutiny over his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
According to Mayer, Meghan’s reputation may have been “damned” by a palace culture she characterized as hostile toward outspoken women.
“To those who clamour for Meghan to be expunged from public life like a latter-day Anne Boleyn, I’d ask one question: what exactly has she done to earn such hostility?” Mayer added.
Meghan Markle Continues To Face Online Criticism
Meghan has frequently found herself at the center of online criticism, so much so that she once claimed she was the “most trolled person in the world” during the past decade.
Whether through products released under her As Ever lifestyle brand, her Netflix series “With Love, Meghan,” or her social media activity, critics have regularly questioned the Duchess’s decisions.
Most recently, Meghan marked Princess Lilibet’s birthday by sharing photos of herself and Harry with their daughter. Days earlier, she posted images from a family outing that included Archie and Lilibet.
The posts sparked criticism from some social media users, who argued that sharing images of her children conflicted with her advocacy for child safety and online privacy.
Duchess Defends Sharing Family Photos
The criticism eventually prompted a response from Meghan’s camp, which argued that sharing family moments while protecting children’s identities is entirely consistent with her message on online safety.
“The Duchess has always been clear that there is a distinction between sharing moments from her life and exposing her children to public scrutiny,” a representative told Newsweek.
They continued, “By obscuring their faces, she is demonstrating the very principle she advocates for: giving children privacy, agency, and protection in an increasingly digital world.”
“Far from being contradictory, by concealing their faces she is actually reflecting the message she delivered in Geneva: that parents can choose to share family experiences while still taking deliberate steps to protect identities, privacy, and digital footprint,” the spokesperson added.
Harry Reportedly Wants Meghan Markle Back In Australia
After a challenging few years in the United States, reports suggest Harry and Meghan may be exploring Australia as a potential fresh start.
The couple spent four days in the country in April on what many described as a quasi-royal tour, receiving a warm welcome while participating in charity engagements and private events.
According to reports, Harry has become particularly fond of the country and is eager to return with Meghan and their children.
“He can’t wait to get back with Meghan and the kids,” an insider claimed. “Harry would love to spend an extended amount of time there. It’s no secret they’re looking to make a fresh start somewhere, and Harry seems to think Australia can offer that.”
The Sussexes previously toured Australia in 2018 during an official royal visit while Meghan was pregnant with Prince Archie. They have not undertaken a similar royal tour since stepping back from official duties in 2020.
