Meghan Markle’s Fight Against Abuse Echoes Past Bullying of Royal Women, from Fergie to Catherine
Meghan Markle recently spoke out about her experiences with bullying, claiming she is “one of the most bullied people in the world.” The Duchess of Sussex made this statement during a digital wellness event in Santa Barbara, California, where she addressed young girls about the challenges of online abuse.
In response to Meghan’s remarks, former royal correspondent Jennie Bond praised her efforts to raise awareness about the damaging effects of bullying. Speaking with OK! Magazine, Bond acknowledged the importance of the Duchess’s work but also reminded the public that other members of the Royal Family have faced similar ordeals.
“I applaud the efforts that Meghan and Harry are making to help make the digital world a safer place, especially for young people,” Bond said. She also expressed empathy for Meghan, particularly for the abuse she endured during her pregnancies and beyond. “I am truly sorry that Meghan was subjected to abuse and bullying during her pregnancies and beyond. No one should have to read disgusting abuse like that at any point in their lives.”
However, Bond pointed out that Meghan is not the only royal to experience such harsh treatment. She recalled how Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, was famously ridiculed by the press and given the cruel nickname “Duchess of Pork” due to her weight. Additionally, Kate Middleton, now the Princess of Wales, endured years of being mocked as “Waity Katie” before marrying Prince William.
Bond also highlighted the recent scrutiny faced by Kate Middleton, who was forced to disclose her battle with cancer after facing invasive media pressure. Even after sharing a video discussing her health, Kate continued to be the target of conspiracy theories and abuse on social media. “Meghan is far from alone in being a victim of abuse,” Bond noted. “But good on her for trying to do something about it.”
Meghan’s efforts to address online bullying and abuse are part of a broader conversation about the toxic nature of the digital world, particularly for public figures. While Meghan’s experiences are deeply personal, Bond’s comments remind us that other members of the Royal Family have also faced intense scrutiny and harassment over the years.
The Duchess of Sussex continues to advocate for safer online spaces, using her platform to shed light on the harmful effects of bullying. Her willingness to speak out, along with her work to make the internet a safer place, has been widely recognized. However, as Bond pointed out, the issue of royal bullying spans generations, affecting numerous members of the monarchy.