Meghan Markle's assertion about the control over her passport after joining the royal family is being reevaluated following new details about her international travels.
During their widely viewed interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, Meghan, alongside Prince Harry, discussed the challenges they faced after their departure from senior royal roles. Meghan detailed that upon her integration into the royal family, she did not see her personal documents like her passport, driver's license, and keys until their move to California.
"You couldn't just go. Everything was turned over; I didn't see any of that anymore," Meghan told Oprah.
However, records and critics highlight that Meghan had traveled to at least 13 countries since she began dating Harry. These included personal visits and official royal tours across continents, necessitating the use of her passport, such as trips to New York, Ibiza, and official tours in countries like Australia, South Africa, and Fiji.
Royal insiders and experts argue that while Meghan's passport was securely held, it was accessible for her personal and official travels. Royal author Margaret Holder commented, "It's essential for security to keep such documents safe, but undoubtedly, Meghan would have had her passport for personal trips and holidays, like her baby shower in New York or visits to friends in Canada."
This situation raises questions about the exact nature of the constraints Meghan described, suggesting a more complex arrangement regarding her freedom to travel while part of the royal family.
