Meghan Markle was seen breaking down in tears on a rare night out over a brutal attack by King Charles, in which he branded her “the most damaging royal ever,” adding, “She does not deserve to be called royal.”
The dramatic detonation, reportedly made at a private royal summit but leaked to the press, has sparked an angry and bitter schism at the heart of the royal family, the result of one woman—the Duchess of Sussex—being released from a gilded cage.
The drama unfolded during a charity event Meghan attended last year in California, when witnesses recalled the star appearing tearful. “She seemed so broken,” one witness shared. “I could tell the king’s words had been a blow.”
Well-placed insiders say Charles’ scathing review was a counterpoint to Meghan’s continual public pursuits—including successful Netflix deals and tell-all interviews—coupled with the belief by some royals that these have had a damaging impact on the monarchy.
“He feels he’s done enough,” a palace source revealed. “Charles thinks she’s a traitor to the royal family,” and he was unafraid to say so.”
The fallout has rocked social media, with #MeghanInTears trending on X. Defenders raced to her defense, claiming the king’s attack was mercilessly misogynistic.
“She’s being scapegoated for wanting a voice allowed to her to have it on her own,” another fan posted. Critics, meanwhile, praised Charles’ bluntness, lamenting Meghan as one who used her royal connections for personal benefit.
“She can’t have her cake and eat it too,” a royal commentator observed. “You don’t get to trash the family and keep the title.”
Meghan’s side isn’t talking, but those close to her say she’s devastated. “This was public humiliation,” an insider whispered. “She’s trying to preserve something, her dignity, and it’s a cheap shot.”
More widely, the drama has reignited tensions with Prince Harry, who, according to reports, is torn between standing up for his wife and repairing relations with his father. Some speculate that this could widen the rift in the royals; Harry may fight back in future projects.
All the while, the gossip swirls; all eyes are on Meghan and what she does next. Will she respond to the king’s stinging rebuke, or recede even further from the spotlight? For now, at least, her tearful appearance has firmly placed her as a controversial figure in a royal drama that has no signs of abating.