Meghan Markle is once again under fire—this time for allegedly using secret royal kidnapping training to stage an emotional TV performance portraying herself as a victim of the British monarchy. According to insiders and royal experts, the Duchess of Sussex may have relied on high-level security techniques taught by the palace to strengthen her tearful 2021 interview narrative.
The allegations stem from claims that Markle, 43, underwent mock abduction training while living at Kensington Palace. The Special Air Service (SAS)—an elite British military unit—reportedly ran intense drills for senior royals, including Meghan, to prepare them for terrorist threats and kidnapping scenarios.
Meghan reportedly learned how to “bond with the enemy”
In the 2020 biography Finding Freedom, sources alleged that Meghan was subjected to a frightening simulation where she was taught how to build rapport with captors. These skills, royal expert Robert Lacey believes, may have been repurposed for her emotional sit-down with Oprah Winfrey.
Lacey described Meghan’s performance during the televised interview as a convincing impersonation of helplessness. He suggested that her training helped her deploy self-pity to dramatic effect, creating a scene that drew overwhelming sympathy from the public.
“She likely learned how to act like a hostage seeking liberation,” Lacey said. “The world responded exactly as it was meant to—by rushing to her defense.”
During the interview, Markle famously revealed that she felt isolated and deeply unhappy while living within palace walls. She claimed she turned over her personal documents and was rarely allowed to leave her residence. At one point, she said she left the house only twice in four months.
Markle’s dramatic comparisons stir skepticism
The former Suits actress also compared herself to Ariel from The Little Mermaid, saying she felt silenced just like the animated sea princess. She admitted she hadn’t fully understood what royal life entailed and said warning signs appeared before her wedding to Prince Harry, 40.
Critics argue that Meghan’s blend of vulnerability and theatrical language seemed too refined to be spontaneous. Some now speculate her portrayal of isolation was influenced by the high-stakes psychological preparation provided by the palace.
“Her expressions, tone, and timing were almost too perfect,” one source close to the royals claimed. “It was like watching a well-rehearsed role rather than a raw confession.”
These revelations come amid ongoing scrutiny of Meghan’s public image, especially as she attempts to revive her career in Hollywood. Past projects have stumbled, and insiders believe she’s leaning heavily on the victim narrative to regain favor with audiences.
While neither Meghan nor Harry has publicly responded to the claims, royal watchers say the latest twist only deepens the divide between the Sussexes and Buckingham Palace. Whether these allegations hold weight or simply stoke controversy, one thing remains clear: the drama surrounding Meghan Markle is far from over.
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.