Prince Harry’s recent remarks about Meghan Markle’s distinct experience as a member of the royal family have sparked significant attention on TikTok. During an interview with ABC’s Michael Strahan ahead of the release of his memoir, Spare, in January 2023, Harry emphasized how Meghan’s established career and public persona set her apart from other women who have married into the royal family.

Harry noted that unlike many royal women who enter the family with a “blank slate,” Meghan arrived with a substantial fan base from her acting career. This existing recognition, he suggested, made it more challenging for the media to shape her narrative. In the interview, he stated, “They’re [other royal women] coming in almost with a blank slate, which gives the British press an opportunity to cast them in a particular role.”

When Meghan joined the royal family, Harry explained, the media attempted to impose a similar narrative on her. However, he pointed out that she was entering a relationship in her mid-30s, already having a successful career and a well-established identity. “She had a very public career, and millions of people knew who she was because they’d been following her,” he said. This pre-existing fan engagement meant that many were quick to defend her against any false portrayals.

The TikTok clip featuring Harry’s comments has garnered over 73,000 views and 5,700 likes, resonating with viewers who appreciate his acknowledgment of Meghan’s achievements. The video was shared with a caption highlighting how Harry consistently reminds people that Meghan had already carved out her own path, complete with financial independence and a successful career before entering royal life.

Harry’s friends have previously expressed their hope that he would find someone who had already established themselves, underscoring the importance of individuality and self-sufficiency in relationships. As the conversation around Meghan’s role in the royal family continues, Harry’s comments serve to reinforce the idea that her journey is uniquely her own, characterized by resilience and independence.

“Prince Harry choosing to spit nothing but facts. Meghan had a successful job, was travelling the world for charity work with #unitednations #worldvision.”

Meghan had already established herself as an actor when she met Harry in 2016, around the time season six of Suits was first broadcast that summer.

Their relationship became public knowledge at the end of October and sparked a media feeding frenzy that November.

Prince Harry’s spokesperson at the time, Jason Knauf, released a strongly worded statement seeking to protect her privacy: “The past week has seen a line crossed. [Harry’s] girlfriend, Meghan Markle, has been subject to a wave of abuse and harassment.

“Some of this has been very public—the smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright 𝓈ℯ𝓍ism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments.

“Some of it has been hidden from the public—the nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers; her mother having to struggle past photographers in order to get to her front door; the attempts of reporters and photographers to gain illegal entry to her home and the calls to police that followed; the substantial bribes offered by papers to her ex-boyfriend; the bombardment of nearly every friend, co-worker, and loved one in her life.”