Meghan Markle recently referred to herself as “one of the most bullied people in the world” as other royal’s similar experiences are pointed out by one expert.
Meghan Markle is “far from alone” after years of vile abuse online, claims one royal expert who drew a comparison to Kate, the Princess of Wales.
Upon joining a Santa Barbara programme to empower girls in their relationship with technology, Meghan described herself as “one of the most bullied people in the world”.
Speaking of the former working royal, royal correspondent Jennie Bond expressed her support for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s efforts to create a safer digital environment – but points out that other royals have had comparable battles when it comes to abuse.
She told the Mirror: “I applaud the efforts that Meghan and Harry are making to help make the digital world a safer place especially for young people. And 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 also highlighted that Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York as well as Princess Kate also received similar abuse online through their lives – with both subjected to cruel insults over the years.
Princess Kate was previously referred to as ‘Waity Katie’
She added: “Meghan is far from alone in being a victim of abuse. But good on her for trying to do something about it.”
Meghan’s comment about being “one of the most bullied people in the world” took place during her afternoon to Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara on October 2.
During her visit, she participated in arts and crafts activities and promoting their fresh digital-wellness initiative called Social Media U.
Following Meghan’s visit, Larissa May – who is the founder of #HalfTheStory – divulged to Vanity Fair details of Meghan’s open discussion about the bullying she endured. Larissa articulated: “We did an activity where we talked through a bunch of different scenarios, and Meghan talked about being one of the most bullied people in the world. We had girls wave these little emoji signs and talk about how each one of these scenarios would have impacted them emotionally.”
Meghan Markle’s recent comments about being “one of the most bullied people in the world” during her visit to Santa Barbara have sparked widespread discussion, with both sympathy and critical analysis from royal commentators. While Meghan’s experience with online abuse is undeniably painful, royal expert Jennie Bond was quick to point out that she’s not alone in facing public scrutiny and attacks.
Bond, a veteran royal correspondent, praised Meghan and Prince Harry’s efforts to advocate for digital safety and wellness, particularly in their commitment to empowering young people. In her interview with The Mirror, she expressed sorrow over the harsh treatment Meghan endured, particularly during her pregnancies, which included relentless media attacks and online harassment. However, she emphasized that Meghan’s experience, while harrowing, is not unique among royals.
“Sadly, Meghan is not the only one to have faced this level of abuse,” Bond remarked, noting that others, including Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, have similarly been the targets of intense bullying and cruelty. Kate, for example, was mocked for years with the nickname “Waity Katie” due to the lengthy period before Prince William proposed, while Sarah Ferguson was frequently ridiculed for her weight and personal life.
Bond underscored that many royals have had to endure public insults and online abuse as part of their roles, with women in particular facing the brunt of these attacks. “Meghan is far from alone in being a victim of abuse,” she said. However, Bond commended Meghan for her proactive approach to addressing the issue, adding, “Good on her for trying to do something about it.”
During her visit to Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara on October 2, Meghan participated in activities promoting the organization’s new digital wellness initiative, Social Media U, which is focused on helping young people navigate the online world safely. The Duchess’s openness about her personal struggles with bullying resonated with the girls involved in the event.
Larissa May, founder of #HalfTheStory, a non-profit organization focused on mental health in the digital age, shared more details about Meghan’s engagement with the program. Meghan participated in a group activity where girls discussed different bullying scenarios, and she shared her own experience. “We had girls wave these little emoji signs and talk about how each one of these scenarios would have impacted them emotionally,” May revealed in an interview with Vanity Fair.
Meghan’s frankness about the toll bullying took on her has sparked conversations about the mental health impact of online abuse, particularly for public figures. Despite the challenges, her work in promoting awareness and fostering digital well-being continues to gain attention, reminding others that even those in the spotlight are not immune to the harmful effects of cyberbullying.
