In a long-awaited move, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has finally broken her silence, speaking out for the first time after enduring a barrage of sensationalist stories from British tabloids. The media’s relentless scrutiny and invasive coverage of Markle’s life have been a focal point for years, culminating in her and Prince Harry’s decision to step back from their roles as senior royals.
Markle’s decision to address the media comes after a prolonged period of being the subject of wild stories and negative narratives perpetuated by certain journalists within the British Royal Family’s orbit. Throughout her time in the public eye, she has faced intense scrutiny, often targeted for her ethnicity, background, and relationship with Prince Harry.
In her statement, Markle candidly discusses the toll that media intrusion has taken on her mental health and well-being. She opens up about the struggles of navigating relentless tabloid scrutiny while trying to maintain her composure and fulfill her duties as a member of the royal family. Her words shed light on the challenges faced not only by herself but also by many other public figures who grapple with the invasive nature of modern media.
An unofficial nickname that dates back to the time of Queen Elizabeth II’s father, King George VI, “The Firm” is an informal title for the British royal family and its associated institutions, including the courtiers, staff, and working royals that keep the business of the monarchy functioning. It reportedly stems from King George’s statement that he and the rest of the royals were “not a family, we’re a firm,” a concept first introduced in the mid-20th century. That framing has stuck.
Who is part of The Firm? The senior royals, obviously—including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip; Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; and Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. But the institution also consists of the offices that manage royal affairs, including the Private Secretary’s Office, the Privy Purse, and the Treasurer’s Office. These departments, like at any company, manage everything from the Queen’s government relations to finances and human resources. (This broad coalition of employees is officially called the Royal Household, and consists of hundreds of workers.)
