The Duchess of Sussex described herself as “one of the most bullied people in the world,” upon joining a Santa Barbara programme to empower girls in their relationship with technology
Meghan Markle not alone in suffering vile abuse, a royal commentator has claimed.
Jennie Bond, former BBC royal correspondent, said that although she supports the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s efforts to create a safer digital environment, she recalls other royals experiencing similar abuse.
“I am truly sorry that Meghan was subjected to abuse and bullying during her pregnancies and beyond.
“No one should have to read disgusting abuse like that at any point in their lives. Sadly, though, Meghan is not alone in being bullied.”
She added: “Meghan is far from alone in being a victim of abuse. But good on her for trying to do something about it.”
In August this year, Meghan Markle spoke out about her mental health for the first interview alongside her husband since their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021.
During the interview, she revealed she had harboured thoughts of taking her own life during her time living in London as a working member of the Royal Family.
Meghan said: “I just didn’t want to be alive anymore. And that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought. I remember how he just cradled me. I said that I needed to go somewhere to get help. I said that I’ve never felt this way before, and I need to go somewhere.
“And I was told that I couldn’t, that it wouldn’t be good for the institution”.
Meghan also recently spoke about the importance of protecting their children. She said in 2024 interview: “Our kids are young, they are three and five, they’re amazing, but all you want to do as parents is protect them.”
“And so as we can see what’s happening in the online space, we know that there’s a lot of work to be done there and we’re just happy to be a part of change for good.”
Both Sarah Ferguson and Princess Kate suffered similar battles with abuse when marrying into the Royal Family, according to Bond.
Princess Kate spoke about some of the abuse she suffered back in 2010 shortly after her engagement to Prince William was announced.
Kate said: “I think if they feel you are doing the right thing you can only be true to yourself and you sort of have to ignore a lot of what’s said, obviously take it on board, but you have to be yourself really and that’s how I have stuck by it really.”
The Princess of Wales added that it was “nerve-wracking” marrying into the Royal Family.
Sarah Ferguson has also spoken up about her low self-esteem suffered after receiving abuse when becoming the Duchess of York.
In her six-part reality show, which aired in 2011, she revealed that she saw herself as “pointless,” “emotionally bankrupt,” “unlovable,” and “worthless.”
She recalled speaking to herself in the mirror one morning and said: “Well, no wonder nobody loves you – you are so disgusting”.