Inside Meghan Markle’s Identity Struggle: The Long-Running Dilemma of Being a ‘Celebrity Royal’ or a ‘Royal Celebrity’ — And Why It Still Defines Her Future
Few figures in modern public life have been as divisive — or as relentlessly analyzed — as Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. Since marrying Prince Harry in 2018, Meghan has walked a complicated line between two worlds: Hollywood celebrity and British royalty. Now, years after stepping back from senior royal duties, she continues to grapple with what has become her defining dilemma: is she a “celebrity royal” or a “royal celebrity”?
The distinction, though subtle, carries significant weight. A “celebrity royal” suggests a member of the monarchy who uses their platform to engage with the entertainment world, drawing attention through glamour and influence. A “royal celebrity,” meanwhile, points to someone whose fame comes primarily from association with the crown, their public profile tethered to centuries-old tradition. Meghan, however, occupies a precarious middle ground.
When she and Harry announced their decision to step back from royal life in 2020, many assumed Meghan would return to her acting roots or lean into her California connections. Instead, the couple carved out a new hybrid role: public figures blending philanthropy, activism, and media ventures. From Netflix docuseries to her recently announced lifestyle brand, Meghan has embraced the tools of celebrity culture — branding, storytelling, and global platforms — while still carrying the aura of royalty.
Critics argue this balancing act has made her a target. In the UK, Meghan has often been accused of “cashing in” on her royal status, with detractors insisting she seeks fame over duty. In the US, however, she is often seen as a modernizer, someone unafraid to challenge archaic royal structures while simultaneously amplifying issues such as women’s empowerment and racial equity. The duality has created both opportunity and tension, keeping her firmly in the headlines.
Royal commentators suggest that Meghan’s struggle mirrors the larger questions facing the monarchy itself. Can a centuries-old institution adapt to the realities of celebrity culture? Can public figures with titles operate in the same spheres as Hollywood stars without diluting the gravitas of the crown? By embodying both, Meghan has forced these debates into the global conversation.
Insiders note that Meghan herself is acutely aware of the fine line she walks. While she has embraced partnerships with streaming giants and lifestyle ventures, she also continues to use the “Duchess of Sussex” title, reminding audiences of her unique place within the royal fold. This dual branding strategy reflects both a strength and a risk: it keeps her marketable but also exposes her to criticism from both camps.
As Meghan prepares for new projects in 2026, including a reported memoir-style series and expanded philanthropic work, the question of whether she can fully reconcile the “celebrity royal” versus “royal celebrity” paradox will only intensify. For supporters, it’s proof of her versatility; for critics, it’s evidence of her inability to choose.
In many ways, Meghan’s identity struggle is less about labels and more about legacy. Whether she is remembered as a trailblazing “celebrity royal” or a controversial “royal celebrity,” one thing is certain: her influence on the monarchy — and its intersection with fame — will echo for years to come.
