Catherine Mayer Draws Parallels Between Meghan Markle and Anne Boleyn

Author Catherine Mayer has ignited fresh debate by comparing the Duchess of Sussex to Anne Boleyn, arguing that both women were treated as cultural outsiders whose reputations were systematically dismantled by a hostile establishment. The comparison surfaces as the couple reportedly considers a fresh start in Australia following intense scrutiny.

In her new book, Divide and Rule: Royal Women and Their Battles, Mayer contends that the criticism directed at Meghan mirrors the historical narrative used against King Henry VIII’s second wife. She asserts that critics often hold both women solely responsible for their own downfalls, a framing she views as a product of an institution inherently resistant to outspoken female figures. Mayer notes that Meghan’s unpopularity within certain circles remains high, surpassed only by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

Beyond these historical comparisons, the Duchess continues to navigate public friction regarding her private life. Recent social media posts featuring her children, Archie and Lilibet, drew accusations of hypocrisy from critics who pointed to her previous advocacy for child privacy. A spokesperson for the Duchess defended these actions, maintaining that obscuring the children’s faces allows the family to share milestones while strictly protecting their digital footprint and agency.

Amid these ongoing domestic pressures, reports suggest the Sussexes are eyeing Australia as a potential sanctuary. Following a well-received visit earlier this year, insiders indicate that Prince Harry is eager to return for an extended period, viewing the country as a viable location to move past the volatility of their recent years in the United States.