The Fate Of Meghan Markle And Princess Diana: Similar But Not The Same

Ilustrasi (Raga Granada / YOU)

Reviewing the romance drama of the British royal members is endless. Many stories are similar, although not the same, in each generation. Previously, we discussed the story of Edward III in the article "King Edward VIII's Abdication For A Widow Wallis Simpson". Now, the final article on VOI's signature Article Series will reveal is it true that the story of Meghan Markle and Princess Diana is really the same as what many people are talking about?

When you look at what Meghan Markle has done that has exposed the other side of the British empire, from the pressure of duty to allegations of racism, at first glance, it looks similar to what Princess Diana did more than two decades ago. At that time, a woman whose full name was Diana Spencer also helped uncover the "shame" of the kingdom about the pressure of duty and the affair of her husband, Prince Charles.

In an interview with the famous presenter Oprah Winfrey on March 7, Meghan revealed a lot about the stress of work that made her a mental health crisis. The intention to commit suicide also crossed her mind. She and her husband really feel they are struggling on their own. Meanwhile, the kingdom did nothing - if it was not said that it was doing nothing.

"They said they were concerned at how bad it was, but there is nothing we can do to protect you because you are not a paid employee at this institution," said Meghan.

Likewise with the problem of racism. Megan talked a lot about the royal family's response when she was pregnant with Prince Harry's child. According to her, there was one member of the royal family who was worried about how dark her son's skin was.

Their babies, Meghan said, would not be given security, would not be given titles because of the color of their skin. Even so, Meghan was reluctant to reveal who the figure was speaking. "I think it will cost them a lot."

Meghan's action to open her voice seemed fully supported by her husband, Prince Harry. He was then willing to give up his throne as the successor of the British Empire to become a commoner for the sake of his heart. For Prince Harry, this is the wisest choice, to protect himself and his wife from a mental health crisis.

"We all know what the press is like in the UK, and it destroys my mental health. It's not healthy. So, I did what any husband and father would do," said Prince Harry, as quoted by CNN, Friday, March 19.

Harry and Meghan interviewed by Oprah Winfrey (Twitter / ITV)

Meghan's confession then received the world's spotlight. Mainly for those who have always questioned the presence of monarchy in this modern era. An expert on international relations from the University of Indonesia, Evi Fitriani, revealed that with Meghan's statement, more and more British people questioned the existence of the monarchy. This is because the United Kingdom has experienced a crisis of public confidence.

"Many people question why pay taxes to pay for the life of a noble? What's in it for the people?" she said as quoted by Liputan6.com, Friday, March 19.

In the international position, it is the same. Meghan's admission of racism will undermine the credibility of Britain, which often criticizes developing countries, including Indonesia, regarding the application of Human Rights. On the other hand, the international community will return to question the same thing in Britain.

"The impact of making British criticism of other countries is not credible or we can say, what is the basis for criticizing us while it also occurs in your own country. You don't have to go far, they have carried out hundreds of years of occupation. Colonization is basically racism," she added.

For more details regarding the long history of the British Empire, we have reviewed it at length through the article "Tracing the Roots of Racism of the British Royal Family to Eton College."

Infographics (VOI/Raga Granada)

Diana's Voice

Apart from Meghan, the person who has revealed the "kitchen secrets" of Buckingham Palace is none other than the mother of her husband, Princess Diana. Indeed, Meghan and Diana both leak the "disgrace" of the kingdom, but the difference is, Lady Di is also dealing with her own husband, Prince Charles.

Because in an interview with the BBC in 1995, Diana revealed her domestic problems, including her husband Prince Charles' affair with Camilla Parker Bowles. Diana is like a lone fighter who fights against a "giant" family.

In a program entitled Panorama, Princess Diana exposes her domestic conflicts to the BBC journalist, Martin Bashir. The journalist asked Princess Diana if she was aware of Charles' alleged affair with Camilla. Princess Diana replied: Oh, a woman's instinct is very good.

Princess Diana claimed to know about the scandal. The affair, said Princess Diana, can be seen from the change in Charles' behavior. Afterward, Princess Diana revealed her frustration over her husband's infidelity by revealing that she had a secret disease, namely bulimia. The disease allowed Princess Diana to eat up to five times a day.

Princess Diana visits Indonesia (Source: Princess Diana Archive)

“I did it to myself because my self-esteem was falling. And I don't think I'm worthy or valuable. I fill my stomach four or five times a day. Some do a lot more, and it gives me a sense of comfort," said Princess Diana in an interview.

In addition, Princess Diana's steps through life were often unpredictable. Princess Diana even became a pioneer who changed the rigidity of British citizens in seeing the traditions of the royal family. In contrast to Meghan Markle, who still raises pros and cons. Princess Diana was even loved by the world's citizens in total, including liking every controversy.

On the one hand, Diana is portrayed as photogenic, lively, and glamorous. She has also always succeeded in being a victim of the mass media. On the other hand, Diana is known to be manipulative, intuitive, and a star of the mass media. This popularity is even felt until the present era, even though Princess Diana had died two decades ago, at the age of 36.

“The royal family, after Diana's death, owed their diligence to her. The queen is even very alert to learn lessons from experience. And in this case, the lesson is, 'Don't take the wrong side of public opinion,'” said a columnist for The New York Times, Friday, March 19.

Follow other Article Series: "Love Opera at the British Palace"