A remarkable moment in the annals of feminism dates back to 1913 when suffragette Emily Wilding Davison famously threw herself under the horse of King George V at the Epsom Derby. Rather than empathizing with Davison's cause, the royal family, in a peculiar twist of history, expressed sympathy for the horse, with Queen Mary even deeming Davison a horrid woman.
Fast forward to 2018 when Meghan Markle married Prince Harry. She boldly declared herself a feminist, thus becoming the first openly self-proclaimed feminist to join the royal family in well over a century. This marked a significant milestone in the royal family's history. However, Meghan's recent comments have left many disheartened.
In a recent appearance, Harry and Meghan attended an event in New York hosted by Project Healthy Minds, where they engaged in a discussion about the impact of social media on the mental health of young people. It was during this panel that Meghan stated that, aside from being a wife to Harry, the role of being a mother was the most pivotal in her life. Her reference to Harry as "this one" in her gesture raised eyebrows. It appeared as if she was attempting to convey cuteness while emphasizing the significance of her role as a wife.
This comment has given rise to inquiries because Meghan has always portrayed herself as an independent woman. She had a flourishing career before her union with Harry and was renowned for her advocacy in gender equality. Meghan had been actively involved in initiatives related to women's empowerment, access to clean water, and ending the stigma surrounding menstruation. She had even received accolades for her contributions to gender equality. Consequently, her sudden emphasis on the role of a wife has left many disheartened.
Furthermore, Meghan's recent expressions appear to be at odds with her prior statements regarding gender equality and feminism. Her assertion that being a wife is the most pivotal aspect of her life suggests a retreat from her earlier portrayal as an independent and empowered individual. It seems as if she is adopting a more conventional and subservient role as a spouse, which contradicts her earlier position.
In the face of her earlier avowals of advocacy for women and girls, Meghan's recent pronouncement paints a conflicting picture. It raises questions about whether she is relinquishing her commitment to the cause of gender equality. This shift in her self-identity is genuinely unexpected, particularly given her previous intentions to continue pursuing her career and entrepreneurial endeavors.
This transformation represents a divergence from the formerly shared Sussex Royals brand and has triggered discussions about the evolving identity of Meghan Markle. Once regarded as a staunch feminist, she now appears to be defining herself through her husband, Prince Harry. This alteration has left many disappointed, as they had hoped that she would persist in championing women's rights and empowerment.