Meghan Markle is facing new criticism from royal insiders who believe her recent family trip to Disneyland was a calculated attempt to mirror Princess Diana’s iconic parenting moments.
Photos posted from Lilibet Diana’s birthday celebration on June 4 showed the Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, and their two children riding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland in California. The ride, which opened earlier this year, replaced the original Splash Mountain.
The move instantly drew comparisons to a now-famous 1993 photo of Diana, Prince William, and a young Harry enjoying Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World. According to Star Magazine, those close to the royal family believe Meghan’s choice to highlight that ride was anything but random.
A source told the magazine that Harry believes he is giving his kids the childhood his late mother would have wanted for them. Meghan reportedly supports that vision completely and curated the trip to reflect Diana’s legacy of normalcy, joy and freedom.
Royal insiders accuse Meghan of ‘Diana cosplay’
While Harry sees the experience as meaningful, royal insiders are calling out what they see as staged mimicry. The Disney outing, combined with recent social media content showing Meghan dancing in a hospital room before giving birth, has stirred frustration inside Kensington Palace.
One royal observer said the Disneyland photos were designed to trigger nostalgia and sympathy while casting Meghan as a modern version of Diana. Critics argue the imagery was carefully curated to draw parallels between Meghan’s mothering and the late princess’s celebrated parenting style.
The insider explained that Meghan has become highly strategic about her public narrative, and her recent posts appear tailored to evoke emotion and strengthen her personal brand. These comparisons, however, are striking a nerve with those closest to the royal family.
Harry defends parenting style shaped by Diana’s values
Prince Harry, who lost his mother at age 12, has long spoken about Diana’s efforts to raise him and William with as much normalcy as possible. Former royal chef Darren McGrady once recalled how Diana insisted on McDonald’s instead of homemade burgers because the toy was what really mattered to her sons.
A source close to the Sussexes told Star Magazine that Harry’s parenting reflects that same spontaneity and rule-breaking spirit. The Disneyland trip, they added, felt like a personal tribute more than a publicity stunt.
But not everyone sees it that way. As Meghan ramps up brand launches and teases upcoming projects, critics argue her tactics increasingly blend royal nostalgia with commercial strategy.
With a rumored rosé wine line and new content on her As Ever platform, Meghan’s next move may cross another royal red line.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.