In a move that has sparked controversy and heightened tensions within the royal family, King Charles recently honored Prince William and Kate Middleton with the prestigious Order of the Garter, leaving Prince Harry and Meghan Markle feeling deeply snubbed. Meghan Markle has publicly expressed her outrage, claiming that she and Harry are more deserving of such recognition due to their progressive work and popularity, especially among younger audiences.

The Order of the Garter, the highest honor a royal can receive, is limited to just 24 knights and ladies at any given time. This elite society, historically reserved for individuals who have rendered significant service to the crown, has included notable members such as Prince Philip, Prince Charles, and Prince Andrew. The decision to induct William and Kate into this distinguished order, while excluding Harry and Meghan, has been seen by the latter as a deliberate act of favoritism.

Meghan’s frustration is palpable. “Harry and I are the ones who truly deserve it,” she reportedly stated, criticizing the monarchy’s apparent bias. She expressed dismay at learning about the honor through tabloids rather than being directly informed, calling it a new low in their strained relationship with King Charles. According to Meghan, this snub is a clear indication of the ongoing cold shoulder they’ve received since stepping back from royal duties in early 2020.

Meghan argues that she and Harry have been tirelessly working towards making a positive impact, contrasting their efforts with what she perceives as the less strenuous roles of William and Kate. She pointed out that while they have been involved in empowering communities and advocating for change, William and Kate have benefited from their privileged positions without facing the same challenges.

The Duchess of Sussex also suggests that the exclusion from the Order of the Garter is a strategic move by King Charles to diminish their influence and popularity. She believes their progressive ideas and ability to connect with a younger demographic pose a threat to the traditional royal model. Despite this, Meghan remains defiant, stating that no amount of snubs will dim their light or reduce their resolve to create a more equal and compassionate future.

This latest incident adds to the list of grievances Harry and Meghan have against the royal family, exacerbating the already strained relations. Their decision to step back from royal duties was partly to escape what they described as a toxic environment, but it seems the tensions have only increased with time.

While William and Kate are celebrated with new honors, Harry and Meghan continue to forge their own path with initiatives like Archewell, focusing on impactful, meaningful work outside the confines of royal expectations. Meghan’s message is clear: despite being overlooked and undervalued by the monarchy, they are committed to making a difference and will not be easily erased from the narrative.

The royal family has yet to respond to Meghan’s accusations, but this episode is likely to further polarize public opinion and deepen the divide within the House of Windsor. As the debate over tradition versus modernity continues, Harry and Meghan’s journey will undoubtedly keep challenging the status quo, shining a light on issues of fairness and recognition within one of the world’s oldest institutions.