In the latest revelations surrounding the Duchess of Sussex, royal author Angela Levin has claimed that one of the darker sides of Meghan Markle’s success was an underlying “intense jealousy” that has been a part of her personal and public life. As Meghan’s estranged father, Thomas Markle, marks another year of life this week, the royal family expert’s observations about the Duchess’ complex relationships and behavior have sparked renewed discussions on the relationship dynamics within the Markle family.

Levin, who has spent considerable time studying the royal family and Meghan’s rise to fame, has long been an outspoken commentator on the Markle family’s challenges. Now, with the recent claims of jealousy, Levin delves into Meghan’s behavior and how her success and public recognition have impacted her relationships, particularly with her estranged father and other family members.

Meghan’s Rising Star: From Actress to Duchess

Meghan Markle, who rose to prominence with her role on the hit TV show Suits, transitioned into a global icon after her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018. She quickly became one of the most talked-about women in the world, admired for her philanthropy, activism, and, of course, her marriage to one of the most famous royals in the world.

Her ability to build a high-profile life outside the traditional royal expectations made her both loved and polarizing. However, according to Angela Levin, as Meghan’s career and influence grew, so did an emerging sense of jealousy in the Duchess—a feeling that began to reveal itself through her personal relationships.

Levin, who is known for her books on the royal family, including her recent works on Prince Harry and Meghan, suggested that Meghan’s increasing visibility and success may have led to resentment and envy among certain members of her inner circle. The royal expert cites Meghan’s estranged relationship with her father, Thomas Markle, as one example of how jealousy may have played a role in fracturing family ties.

Jealousy and Meghan’s Estrangement with Her Father

For many, Thomas Markle’s strained relationship with his daughter has been an ongoing saga, with public feuds and open letters often making headlines. While it’s well-documented that Thomas Markle Sr. and Meghan have not been on good terms for several years, Levin claims that part of this estrangement could be traced back to jealousy.

“The relationship between Meghan and her father has been complicated, to say the least. But I believe there’s more to the story than just the public disagreements we’ve seen,” Levin shared. “In some ways, Meghan’s intense jealousy towards her father’s attention could have been a factor. As her star rose, she might have felt that he was trying to take some of her spotlight and disrupt the narrative she was creating.”

Levin’s comments touch on a broader narrative in which Meghan’s family background—particularly her relationship with her father—has been scrutinized and sensationalized in the media. Meghan’s father was not invited to her wedding to Prince Harry, and their relationship has soured publicly since, with Thomas Markle frequently giving interviews that paint a picture of hurt and betrayal.

Some fans and royal observers have speculated that Meghan, who once relied heavily on her father’s support, may have struggled with the idea of being overshadowed by his unexpected media appearances. The Duchess of Sussex’s public image—particularly her persona as a self-made royal—could have been seen as threatened by the negative press surrounding her father’s actions.

The Markle Family Drama: A Cycle of Public Feuds

The ongoing saga of Meghan Markle’s estrangement from her father and her half-siblings has created a narrative that often plays out in the public eye. These family dynamics, paired with Meghan’s high-profile marriage to Prince Harry, have kept the royal couple under a microscope, with media coverage frequently delving into personal family matters.

Levin points out that, while Meghan’s relationship with her father has been publicly contentious, it’s not entirely one-sided. She suggests that Thomas Markle’s behavior, including speaking to the press about his daughter’s private life, has also fueled the fire. “It’s not just Meghan who has been guilty of seeking attention,” Levin notes. “Her father has been very vocal about his frustrations with her, which only deepens the divide.”

Despite the dramatic nature of these family rifts, Levin also believes that Meghan’s jealousy isn’t entirely about public attention. Rather, it could stem from deeper emotional struggles and a sense of being misunderstood, both by her family and the public.

Meghan’s Rise to Fame and Public Perception

Meghan’s rise from a TV actress to a member of the royal family certainly put her in the spotlight, but it also placed immense pressure on her to maintain a perfect image. Her marriage to Prince Harry and the subsequent “Megxit”—her and Harry’s step back from royal duties—further heightened her public profile. As Meghan became more vocal about her activism and social causes, she became a lightning rod for both criticism and praise.

Levin’s claim about Meghan’s jealousy points to a possible deeper emotional struggle. As the Duchess faced intense scrutiny, particularly regarding her relationship with the royal family, her estrangement from her father became yet another piece of the puzzle. Rather than simply being a reflection of personal differences, the publicized family rift could also be viewed as an aspect of the broader personal battle Meghan has faced while navigating the harsh glare of the media spotlight.

Thomas Markle’s Birthday and the Continuing Saga

This week, as Thomas Markle celebrates his birthday, the complicated history between him and his daughter remains unresolved. Public calls for reconciliation continue to surface, especially as the world watches the ongoing saga of Meghan and Harry’s life in the United States. Some royal observers believe the Markles could potentially mend their relationship, but others feel that the emotional gap between father and daughter is far too wide.

The media frenzy surrounding Meghan’s family and her own quest for independence continues to unfold, with questions about whether jealousy, resentment, and public feuds will ever come to an end.

As the drama continues, it’s clear that Meghan Markle’s journey, both in the royal spotlight and beyond, is far from simple. And while the world may see a dazzling life in front of them, the emotional complexity and family dynamics still seem to play a significant role in shaping her story.