Michelle Obama ‘alarmed’ by Meghan Markle’ treatment of the Queen
Former first lady Michelle Obama reportedly gave Meghan a public talking to after witnessing the Duchess’s alarming ‘attitude’ toward the Queen.
National
Don't miss out on the headlines from National. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Meghan Markle displayed such a shocking “attitude” during her first meeting with Michelle Obama that the former first lady was compelled to offer some advice on public service, according to a new book.
With the publication of a new book by royal biographer Tom Bower, a fire hose of new allegations is being exposed for the first time.
One of the most incendiary is a claim that Michelle Obama was “alarmed” by Meghan when they first met at an event in London soon after she became the Duchess of Sussex.
Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the war between the Windsors, delves into various aspects of the pair’s relationship and what led to them ditching their royal duties.
As Meghan struggled in the royal spotlight following her marriage to Prince Harry in May 2018, Bower wrote that she attempted to forge a connection and friendship with the Obamas during their visit to the UK.
“Meghan spotted an opportunity after Michelle Obama arrived in London to promote her best-selling autobiography,” Bower claimed, in an excerpt published by Newsweek.
“Determined to fashion a special relationship, Meghan had also arranged that they would meet again for dinner at George Clooney’s house near Windsor,” he continued.
“As an idol to be emulated, Michelle Obama was also a good source of advice and consolation for Meghan.”
But when they finally met, Ms Obama was purportedly stunned by Meghan’s forthright attitude. Bower claimed that Meghan underestimated the high regard that Ms Obama had for the Queen, suggesting that the Duchess said something uncomfortable about the Monarch.
“The Duchess appears not to have appreciated how much the Obamas admired the Queen,” Bower wrote. “Meghan’s attitude alarmed Michelle. Her advice to Meghan was delivered in public.”
“’Take some time,’ Obama said in an interview, ‘and don’t be in a hurry to do anything.’
Meghan has since gone on to forge a relationship with the Obamas, and she has met with leaders of the Obama Foundation during a tour of South Africa.
But the latest revelations reflect previous claims that suggest she may not have been as successful as she was hoping.
Prince Harry’s biographer Angela Levin claimed last year that Meghan “desperately wanted” to attend Barack Obama’s 60th birthday party but was not invited, despite claiming she was not able to attend.
She told The Sun that the Obamas wanted to take a “step back” from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex out of respect for the Queen.
I’m sure that if they say we can only deal with one brother and his wife — you cannot have both because they are so far apart now — they will go towards William,” she said.
“The Obamas clearly always regarded Harry highly, but I am sure they can see through Meghan.”
Bower added in the latest biography that Obama added “a warning note” for the Duchess to try to be “reasonable” with the Royal family.
“Like me, Meghan probably never dreamt she’d have a life like this; no-deal, the pressure you feel can sometimes feel like a lot,” she said.
“What I’d say is that there’s so much opportunity to do good with a platform like that and I think Meghan can maximise her impact for others, as well her own happiness, if she’s doing something that resonates with her personally.’”
More Coverage
Originally published as Michelle Obama ‘alarmed’ by Meghan Markle’ treatment of the Queen
Last-ditch effort to save Aussie airline
With time running out for the failed regional carrier to secure a new buyer, the Albanese government has been called on to buy in and rescue the company.
Albo’s bold move on housing crisis
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will make another attempt to pass Labor’s signature housing policy, which aims to help 40,000 Aussies get on the housing ladder.