Duchess Meghan and Princess Diana: A Royal Biographer Unpacks Striking Similarities in Connecting with the Public
LONDON, UK – As Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, recently celebrated her 45th birthday amidst ongoing public interest in her lifestyle and endeavors, a prominent royal biographer has drawn compelling parallels between her and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Simon Vigar, author of the new book ‘The Four Wives of Windsor,’ asserts that both women possessed a remarkable ability to "win over the audience," a trait he believes could have been a significant asset to the working royal family in Meghan’s case.
Vigar’s analysis, highlighted in excerpts from his biography, suggests that Meghan’s strength lies not in her Hollywood background or celebrity status, but in her authentic connection with people – a characteristic he observed from the earliest days of her relationship with Prince Harry.
A Deeper Look at Shared Traits: Vigar’s Insights
In ‘The Four Wives of Windsor,’ Vigar explores how various women marrying into the royal family have irrevocably altered its fabric, a transformative process he traces back to Princess Diana. Following her marriage to the then-Prince Charles in 1981, Diana swiftly emerged as a powerful change-maker, a saga that, according to Vigar, continued with Queen Camilla, Kate Middleton, and ultimately, Meghan Markle.
Drawing direct comparisons, Vigar posits that the former actress had the potential to be an invaluable asset to the monarchy. He notes a few key similarities, stating, "Meghan was a divorcee too (Trevor Engelson from 2011 to 2014)," adding a layer of shared experience with women who, like Diana, married into the royal family as divorcees. However, he also points out crucial differences in their circumstances. "When Meghan married Harry in 2018, she was older than Diana was when she died. There were different expectations. Meghan expected total PR control, which was not possible in the British royal family.”
Vigar recalls a pivotal moment during Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s first public engagement in Nottingham in 2017, where Meghan’s natural charisma shone brightly. "She was brilliant with the crowd, with the people," Vigar observed. He laments the lost opportunity, stating, "She would have been a major player in the royal family, and it is a crying shame that she’s not. She should have been, could have been, fantastic for the royal family, but egos on both sides got in the way. By 2019, nobody was talking to each other. Harry and Meghan seemed to be on a path where they felt alone. They should have been transformative.”
The biographer’s insights suggest that while both women possessed an inherent ability to captivate and engage with the public, Meghan’s expectations regarding personal and media control clashed with the rigid structures of the British royal institution, leading to a breakdown in communication and a missed opportunity for the monarchy to benefit from her unique appeal.
Recent Royal Engagements and Future Outlook
After years of palpable distance, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry recently visited King Charles III with their children in July 2026. While this UK visit sparked speculation of reconciliation within the royal family, the couple has consistently maintained their connection to their Californian lifestyle. This continued dedication to their independent ventures, including Meghan’s "With Love, Meghan" projects, further underscores the unique path they have forged, distinct from the traditional roles within the monarchy.
Vigar’s observations offer a nuanced perspective on the Duchess of Sussex, highlighting her innate ability to connect with people – a quality that echoes the enduring legacy of Princess Diana. His biography serves as a timely reminder of the complex interplay between personality, expectation, and institutional dynamics within the world’s most scrutinized royal family.
