Meghan Markle famously said that she had “no idea” about the intense media scrutiny she’d face once she joined the royal family, but a friend of the Duchess of Sussex has revealed that she “didn’t listen” to the advice her stepmother-in-law Camilla gave her ahead of the big day.
WATCH BELOW: Camilla caught off guard when asked about Meghan and Harry
In a report by the Mail on Sunday, the friend revealed that the Duchess of Cornwall invited Meghan to private lunches in the lead up to her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry to discuss the immense job that is marrying into the royal family.
“Meg was really grateful to Camilla who was very supportive and invited her out for private lunches, particularly around the time of her marriage,” the friend told the publication.
“She listened to her and understood that it’s really difficult joining the Royal Family from an otherwise ‘normal’ life.”
The source added that much like the now Duchess of Sussex, “Camilla had experienced a lot of negative press and hostility from courtiers due to her relationship with Charles when he was still married to Diana.”
“She was very sensitive to Meghan and provided her with support, advising her to ride out the storm and that it would all pass – but ultimately Meghan didn’t listen.”
Following the explosive documentary filmed during the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Africa tour, Camilla was reportedly “surprised” to hear what Meghan had to say about how much she and Harry had been struggling.
Speaking to royal expert Katie Nicholl, an insider said: “I think Camilla was probably just as surprised as anyone else when the documentary came out and perhaps didn’t realise how much Harry and Meghan were suffering.
“She wants everyone to get along and be happy. Her mantra is carry on and keep smiling. She doesn’t want to see anyone struggling and she is fond of Meghan, and she could be a very good ally too.”
In new tell-all biography Finding Freedom, it was also reported that Meghan and her sister-in-law Kate Middleton struggled to move past their “distant politeness” and strike up a true friendship.
Royal author Omid Scobie added on the Heir Pod podcast that despite similar loves of fashion and tennis, it was “a surface level friendship” and Meghan was “disappointed” as she’d hoped Kate would offer her support as she joined the family.
“In moments where more depth was required or perhaps a stronger shoulder of support from the Duchess of Cambridge’s side we saw that didn’t happen over and over again,” Omid said on the podcast.
“It left Meghan a bit disappointed in that friendship. She would have appreciated that extra support internally.
“People have asked why Kate may have not been there in that situation and I really don’t know but it’s clear at the time her priorities weren’t there. We do see her as an incredibly dedicated wife, mother and member of the royal family and maybe that’s a lot for one person to juggle.”
According to Radar Online the Duchess of Cornwall helped Meghan and Harry orchestrate their exit from the royal family and subsequent move to North America.
“She knew this was in the works and actually told Meghan to follow her heart and leave if she needed to,” the source said.
Camilla’s apparent show of support, however, was a stark contrast to Prince Charles’ opposition to Harry and Meghan’s ‘Megxit’ decision to step back.
“Charles hoped Camilla would be a calming influence, but he’s been blind to her scheming and stirring that’s been going behind his back,” the source added.
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