2026 may be the year Prince Harry could see significant improvements with the royal family now that he has private security in the U.K., but the same can’t be said for Meghan Markle and her side of the family.
According to reports, the Duchess of Sussex, 44, is no longer just estranged from her father Thomas Markle, 81, as insiders claim her relationship with her mother, Doria Ragland, 69, could also be heading the same way. Keep reading for more info…
Struggling With Sleep? This Rechargeable Sound Machine Is A Total Game-Changer
Did Meghan Markle Subtly Shade Her Mom On 'With Love, Meghan?'
Netflix viewers may recall that Meghan didn't talk about her mom in season two of her With Love, Meghan series as much as she did in season one. And when she did, she described her mom – a social worker who previously worked as a makeup artist and yoga instructor – as a "free spirit."
While many people may not think anything malicious of this description, others believe it is a subtle swipe at her mom, at least in terms of her parenting skills and how they may differ from her own. It could also subtly imply that Ragland wasn't always around during former Suits star's childhood, possibly even related to those longstanding rumors of her once being in prison.
"On the face of it, it sounded warm, but among those who know them, it came across as a quiet step back, signaling that Meghan and Doria have very different ideas about parenting and family," an insider dished to RadarOnline.
Another source echoed this, adding: "It came across less as praise and more as a subtle point of difference."
Insiders Claim Everyone Knew Meghan Markle's Comment Would Be 'Scrutinized'
A TV insider claimed Meghan's wording was carefully considered ,and that those involved in the show were fully aware of how it would be received. They confessed: "Everyone involved knew that each personal remark would be scrutinized, and the language about Meghan's mother drew notice for setting Meghan up as a deliberate, highly organized parent in contrast to a more 'free-spirited' Doria."
So how will this subtle dig go down in the Sussex household? According to reports, it won't be much of a problem, as Doria no longer stays with Prince Harry and Meghan at their Montecito, California home, where they live with children Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4.
"Doria was once a regular fixture in the household, closely involved in caring for the children with Meghan and Harry, but she is no longer living there, and people around them have taken note," another insider dished.
How Does Doria Ragland Feel About Meghan Markle's Comment?
Despite the growing speculation, sources close to Doria reportedly don't believe she's offended by the As Ever founder's remark, or by the apparent distance between her and her daughter.
"Doria's self-reliance has long been one of her defining qualities, but the everyday intimacy she and Meghan once had has faded," one of her friends reportedly told the site. A second, on the other hand, simply didn't think Meghan's comment was something she needed to say, adding: "It came across as an unnecessary tag applied in a very public way."
Prince Harry is also said to be wary of how comments like this can escalate, given his own strained relationships with his family. "Harry is acutely aware of how sensitive family phrasing can be, and he knows that every comment Meghan makes about her mother will be closely examined, particularly now that Doria is seen less often," an insider said. Will Meghan and Doria become as estranged as Meghan and her father or Prince Harry and King Charles? Only time will tell!
Internet Reactions
As expected, the internet didn't hesitate to weigh in with its own thoughts and theories. "For someone who always talks about how important family is, Meghan sure likes to distance herself from her family and Harry from his family," observed one Reddit user.
A second thought: "I think Doria is deliberately keeping a low profile. Every public appearance raises questions: 'Where has Doria been for 10 years? Was she in prison?' It's not in Meghan's interests to expose Doria. Doria, like everyone in this family, has a murky past."
"Mom's side estranged. Dad's side estranged. In laws estranged. Ex husband in the wings. Harry on auto pilot. What's the common thread here?" asked a third, as a fourth chimed in: "We all figured this has been the case for months now, as 'mummy' hasn't been seen for months. Megsy has always had a dysfunctional relationship with both parents."
"Doria comes and goes depending on the size of her allowance from MM. Given their current cash flow problems, Doria probably hasn't seen anything for the past few months," thought a fifth, as a sixth echoed: "Doria has never occurred to me as a loving mom. Only as someone who came when it benefitted her." They added: "So probably the rumors are true that the financial situation of the Sussexes is dire as Doria is running off."
A seventh agreed, and said: "The more I read about them the more it seems like Doria isn't exactly the maternal type. I feel like Doria views relationships the same way Meghan does – as entirely transactional. It's about what she can get out of it, so if she can't get anything from her daughter and son-in-law anymore then it wouldn't surprise me if she's gone."
