Meghan Markle’s Return to Acting Will Leave The Royal Family Very 'Amused', Says Expert
After eight years, Meghan Markle is heading back to where it all began – Hollywood. The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly set to play herself in an upcoming comedy, Close Personal Friends, and while the news has stunned many, insiders say the royal family would not be angry; they’re likely very 'amused.' Markle, who famously traded her very independent acting career for royal engagements in 2017, now has the reins in her hands. While she hasn’t publicly commented on the news, she’s been spotted on set in Pasadena, looking relaxed and 'very much in her element.'
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, however, suggests that Buckingham Palace is likely taking the development in stride, and with a hint of irony. Speaking to The Express, he said, “I suspect members of the royal family will be amused that Markle has gone back to acting; we don’t know for how long.” He added, “Being part of the royal family involves theatre, and they might well reflect that she didn’t play her part as a senior working royal for very long — and then wreaked havoc on the unique family she was part of, for personal gain.”
The film, which features Brie Larson, Lily Collins, Henry Golding, and Jack Quaid, revolves around a couple who strike up a friendship with another famous pair during a getaway to Santa Barbara. It’s a fitting storyline for Markle, who happens to live just down the coast in Montecito with her equally well-known husband, Prince Harry. According to an insider, quoted by PEOPLE, “Meghan was on set. She has a small part and seemed very relaxed and happy. She introduced herself to everyone and was very sweet and down-to-earth.”
Fitzwilliams noted that by choosing to play herself, Markle’s 'self-love' will be on display for all to see. The irony is, however, hard to miss. Markle, along with Harry, had left the UK to avoid the constant media attention as their every move was constantly watched and dissected. Hence, Markle's choosing to have herself back on the silver screen feels amusing to many.
Since stepping down from royal duties in 2020, she’s launched a podcast, signed multi-million-dollar production deals, and started her lifestyle brand, As Ever. For all that it is worth, the Duchess seems content steering her own course, one that looks increasingly independent from her past in the UK, with Harry, being the supportive husband, cheering for her. A studio insider told The Sun, “Prince Harry is, of course, really supportive and quite simply wants Markle to do whatever brings her joy.”