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How Meghan Markle and Prince Harry bonded over fractured families

HIS family fractured in the most brutal — and public — way possible, and hers disintegrated as she found success.

There would be few women who could truly understand what it is Harry had to deal with through the divorce of his parents and sudden death of his mother, Diana.

After all, what other grieving 12-year-old would be made to walk in front of wailing crowds and the world’s media — as his mother’s coffin processed through London? It would be safe to assume most of Harry’s previous girlfriends struggled to relate to his past.

Prince William and Prince Harry at the funeral of their mother Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997.
Prince William and Prince Harry at the funeral of their mother Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997.

That is, until he met Meghan, who also suffered the divorce of her parents Doria Ragland and Thomas Markle, aged six, and although both are still part of her life, her father lives a reclusive life in Mexico and her estranged half-siblings have publicly imploded over their lack of wedding invites.

Half-sister Samantha Grant is writing a tell-all book and half-brother Thomas Markle called Meghan “a phony, giving the greatest performance of her life”.

Meghan has also talked about facing racism.

“Being bi-racial paints a blurred line that is equal parts staggering and illuminating,” she wrote in Elle magazine.

And Harry released an unprecedented statement in November 2016 criticising “the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls” over Meghan.

Thomas Markle, pictured holding a baby Meghan, and Meghan's mother Doria Ragland divorced in 1988 Picture: Instagram
Thomas Markle, pictured holding a baby Meghan, and Meghan's mother Doria Ragland divorced in 1988 Picture: Instagram

“This couple is emotionally mature and ready to support each other through their life together ahead,” says Hall, of drjantehall.com.au.

“They will have to be each other’s rock in order to cope with their exposure to public judgments forever in the future.”

Meghan, who already experienced what it is to live in the public eye, is more accomplished than previous royal brides, she says.

“Meghan is independently successful and self-assured. She outshines any of the past younger women Harry was involved with. Compared with Meghan, they were like deers caught in a spotlight!”

Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince William, Earl Spencer, Prince Harry and Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales walk outside Westminster Abbey during the funeral service for Diana, Princess of Wales. Picture: AFP Photo/Jeff J Mitchell
Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince William, Earl Spencer, Prince Harry and Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales walk outside Westminster Abbey during the funeral service for Diana, Princess of Wales. Picture: AFP Photo/Jeff J Mitchell

Insiders credited Harry meeting Meghan for his candour when he spoke about his mental health following the death of his mother.

“I can safely say that losing my mum at the age of 12, and therefore shutting down all of my emotions for the past 20 years, has had a quite serious effect on not only my personal life but my work as well,” he said, confessing he came close to a breakdown and had counselling.

Meghan Markle pictured with her mother Doria Ragland. Picture: Supplied/ Instagram
Meghan Markle pictured with her mother Doria Ragland. Picture: Supplied/ Instagram

Certainly, Harry has channelled his past pain into something positive with his Heads Together charity. And this February, Meghan joined her future husband along with Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in their latest campaign.

Meghan, who has previously spoken at the UN and worked as an ambassador for World Vision, is ideally placed to work with Harry on charity projects.

“They will certainly work together on projects as they already have done,” says Ingrid Seward, Editor in Chief Majesty Magazine.

“They said they wanted to change the world together so here is their chance.”

Read related topics:Meghan MarklePrince Harry

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/how-meghan-markle-and-prince-harry-bonded-over-fractured-families/news-story/6536501a3cba98579ccc2105bd610050