Meghan Markle Accused of Orchestrating 'Peace Talks' to Repair Her 'Reputation': 'Harry Relies On...'
Meghan Markle recently faced fresh criticism from royal commentators amid reports of her allegedly playing games with the royal family to help herself. The allegations come as the Sussexes recently lost their $100 million Netflix deal after their projects performed poorly on the platform. Royal biographer Robert Jobson believes the timing of Prince Harry's reconciliation efforts is directly linked to the recent financial setbacks.
Speaking on The Sun's Royal Exclusive show, Jobson said, "Well, the deal was always set about $100 million, wasn't it? And the talk of that figure sort of blew a lot of people's minds, but I think that was for productions and things that they're supposed to have done. Where does it leave them? Probably with a bit of a bowl out, looking for some handouts. Maybe that's why their staff were over here having discussions with the King."
Broadcaster Sarah Hewson, who also spoke to the outlet, has been particularly critical of Markle's alleged strategic approach. Drawing on the Suits star's previous patterns of behavior, she claimed it could be another one of her 'schemes.' Hewson argued, "[She] is someone with a game plan. Nothing happens by accident, and I think Harry relies on Meghan for a lot of guidance through life. Meghan's got her own plans and business. What is Harry's? He does look lost and isolated by himself in Montecito. His father's health is certainly a big wake-up call."
Former royal correspondent Valentine Low, weighing in, suggested any reconciliation would primarily benefit Markle's brand. In his assessment of how a potential reconciliation might play out commercially, the former correspondent for The Times said, "There's also the interesting question, perhaps quite cynically, if they reconcile and the relationship with the royal family becomes one of warmth. I think it will only do Meghan's reputation something good and help her expand the brand Meghan."
The 'peace talks' in question took place through senior communications staff rather than direct family contact. Photos published showed the King and Queen's director of communications, Tobyn Andreae, meeting with Meredith Maines, chief communications officer for Harry's charity Archewell, and its U.K. and Europe communications manager, Liam Maguire, on July 9. They met on the balcony of the members-only Royal Over-Seas League club, a short walk from Buckingham Palace, before continuing inside.
The face-to-face meeting was held to discuss avoiding media clashes around calendar dates. However, there were no discussions about Harry returning to a more formal royal role. A source with knowledge of the arrangements claimed, "The meeting was with Harry's blessing." Buckingham Palace had also supported the proposals to "open a channel of communication," having agreed to them in recent weeks, The Daily Beast reported. Hewson summed, "I think for these talks to happen, Harry will need to speak to his father one-on-one. This will be really important as there is a big trust issue."