The repercussions of the Palace’s “recollections may vary” statement, offers a thoughtful critique of how this phrase symbolized a dismissive attitude towards Meghan Markle’s experiences. The piece rightly underscores the missed opportunity for the British royal family to show empathy and understanding in the face of serious allegations involving racism and mental health.

The contrast with how Kate Middleton’s alleged cancer diagnosis was treated exposes a broader issue within the royal family and the media’s treatment of its members. Kate was shielded, her privacy respected, and her narrative controlled in a way that Meghan’s was not. This disparity points to an inherent bias that can’t be ignored—where race and tradition intersect, the response from the institution and the public shifts dramatically.

While the Palace argues that “recollections may vary” was a neutral or even conciliatory statement, it fails to acknowledge the different standards applied to Meghan compared to other royals like Kate. Meghan’s struggles were met with doubt and a lack of compassion, while Kate’s were met with immediate sympathy and protective coverage. This difference in treatment not only reflects racial biases but also highlights how the institution of the monarchy continues to protect its own at the expense of those who challenge its status quo.

The royal family’s response—or lack of response—to these issues speaks volumes about its priorities. It’s not just about preserving the dignity of the institution but also about preserving the narratives that uphold their power and privilege. The empathy extended to Kate in her time of need should have been equally available to Meghan, but the fact that it wasn’t revealed deep-seated prejudices within the monarchy and the media that covers it.

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has been in the tabloid headlines, but the way her alleged cancer diagnosis was treated in the media and by the public stands in stark contrast to how Meghan Markle’s struggles were addressed. Kate’s health issues, particularly those that were speculated upon but never confirmed by the Palace, were approached with an overwhelming sense of empathy and concern. The tabloids, which are often ruthless, took a noticeably softer approach, emphasizing the importance of privacy and respect during such a challenging time.

CONCLUSION

We all remember how Meghan was treated or is treated by the media. Our recollections do not vary.

The treatment highlights a stark disparity in how the public and media handle the personal struggles of members of the British royal family. Kate, often seen as the embodiment of traditional royal values, was afforded the advantage of the doubt and received an outpouring of support, with any criticism being swiftly rebuked by royal commentators and the public alike. The narrative around Kate’s health focused on her bravery and resilience, painting her as a figure of grace under pressure.

In contrast, Meghan Markle’s mental health struggles, as revealed during her interview with Oprah Winfrey, were met with skepticism and, in some quarters, outright hostility. Meghan’s vulnerability was often dismissed, and her claims were met with the now-infamous “recollections may vary” response from the Palace, suggesting a lack of alignment with the official narrative and, implicitly, a questioning of her truthfulness. The response to Meghan’s revelations was not just dismissive; it was a reflection of the broader racial and cultural biases that continue to permeate the British establishment.