Experts in the royal world have raised concerns about Meghan Markle’s continued exposure to media attention, drawing direct parallels to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, a former Kennedy family member who struggled with the pressures of fame and eventually collapsed under the weight of scrutiny. Royal commentators have stressed that while both women faced intense media intrusion after marrying into iconic families, their approaches, personalities, and ultimate outcomes were starkly different. The comparison has sparked discussions about the long-term implications of media saturation on high-profile individuals.
Tina Brown, a former editor of Vanity Fair and contributor to CNN’s America’s Prince docuseries, noted that Meghan’s situation bears striking similarities to Carolyn’s. Both women entered into high-profile marriages — one to an American icon, the other into the British royal family — and faced overwhelming media pressure that shaped their public personas and private lives. Brown warned that unless Meghan learns from Carolyn’s experience, she risks the same pitfalls. America’s Prince highlights how Carolyn, despite her initial allure and popularity, was overwhelmed by the media’s relentless focus on her marriage and personal life, leading to emotional strain and, ultimately, her tragic death in a plane crash in 1999.
Helena Chard, a British broadcaster, emphasized that Meghan has the opportunity to reassess her public strategy, unlike Carolyn, who did not have the luxury of time or the support she now has. Chard pointed out that Carolyn’s marriage was defined by external pressures and an insatiable media appetite for sensational stories, which she could not escape. In contrast, Meghan, despite the intense media scrutiny, still has a supportive family, children, and a sense of security that Carolyn never experienced. Chard urged Meghan to take a more private approach, focusing on her family rather than her public image.
Other experts, including Hilary Fordwich, a British royal analyst, noted that both women were admired for their charm and appeal, especially in the fashion world. However, their reactions to media attention differed significantly. Carolyn, according to Fordwich, chose to step back from public life, maintaining a sense of mystery and elegance around her. By contrast, Meghan, who comes from a Hollywood background, appears to have embraced the spotlight, which has only intensified the scrutiny she faces. Fordwich argues that Meghan’s approach, which includes high-profile interviews, books, and media appearances, has been counterproductive, echoing the same fate that led to the downfall of figures like Carolyn.
Doug Eldridge, a PR expert, pointed out that the differences between the two women extend beyond their media experiences. Carolyn was a fashion publicist who spent her career working under the Calvin Klein brand, and her personality was more subdued and supportive. She was content with playing a background role and rarely sought the spotlight. Meghan, on the other hand, was actively pursuing fame and attention before her marriage to Prince Harry. This ambition, Eldridge argues, set the stage for the intense media attention she now faces, which she may struggle to navigate in the future.
Following their decision to step away from royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan took a public stance, publishing their grievances and even launching a memoir that further strained their relationship with the royal family. Their ongoing media engagement has kept them in the spotlight, far from the private life they sought. Eldridge suggests that, while this strategy may have been intended to highlight their personal experiences, it has instead solidified their position in the public eye and complicated their efforts to move on from their royal past.
Despite the media scrutiny, Meghan has been focusing on expanding her business ventures, including a Netflix series titled With Love, Meghan, which premiered in August 2024. Eldridge believes that if Meghan continues to prioritize family, authenticity, and creative projects while reducing her media presence, she may succeed in rebuilding her image. However, the experts caution that the journey will be difficult, and the key will be finding a balance between personal growth and public visibility.
Ultimately, the parallels between Meghan and Carolyn serve as a cautionary tale about the risks of media intrusion on personal happiness and mental well-being. While both women faced the same type of press, their outcomes and strategies were shaped by their individual choices, circumstances, and personalities. As royal experts continue to monitor Meghan’s path, the question remains whether she can learn from past experiences and avoid the same pitfalls that led to the downfall of others.