Meghan Markle: Lessons from Carolyn Bessett Kennedy’s Life

Several royal commentators suggest that Meghan Markle could glean valuable insights from the life of Carolyn Bessett Kennedy, who lived a brief yet impactful existence. Tina Brown, a former editor at Vanity Fair, draws parallels between the two women in CNN’s documentary “The Prince of America.” Both faced intense media attention after marrying into famous families—one into British royalty, the other into the Kennedy legacy.

Brown reflects on the charm and elegance that characterized Bessett, but also notes the immense pressure that came with it, which ultimately led to her unraveling under public scrutiny. “It’s a reminder to Meghan,” British broadcaster Helena Chard says, hinting that Markle has the chance to consider her strengths and strategically plan her future.

Chard emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family. Carolyn, tragically, had no opportunity to raise children, while Meghan is supported by a devoted husband and has two kids, which she considers invaluable. This focus on family seems crucial for navigating their roles in the public eye.

Meghan, who transitioned from her career as an actress to becoming the Duchess of Sussex in 2018, ultimately found her royal role overbearing. Citing media invasiveness and lack of support, she and Prince Harry made the significant decision to step back from royal duties in 2020. Their subsequent move to California opened a new chapter filled with interviews and documentaries where they shared insights into their relationship with the royal family. Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” further shed light on the complicated dynamics within the Windsor family.

Experts have noted that both women share some similarities regarding their media experiences and public appeal, but they navigated those challenges in starkly different ways. Carolyn retreated, maintaining her mystical allure, while Meghan chose to remain visible, promoting herself and their brand after stepping back from royal life. “At this point, she needs to find a way to lay low,” argues royal expert Hilary Fordwich, yet Meghan’s actions suggest otherwise. This, she believes, contrasts with the commitment typically associated with royal duties.

In a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan described her naïveté about what marrying into the royal family entailed. Observers like Carol Radziwill, a close friend of Carolyn, pointed out that people often underestimate the complexity of both women’s situations despite their high-profile marriages. Radziwill noted the irony in how, like Carolyn, Meghan’s life was perceived as a fairytale filled with unforeseen challenges.

Yet, while both faced intense media scrutiny, their personal experiences diverged significantly. Critics argue that Carolyn was known for her grace and humility, contrasting with Meghan, whose popularity has seen fluctuations in recent years and who continues to attract both admiration and criticism.

Looking ahead, Meghan appears to be focusing on building a business empire rather than rehashing royal struggles. As her new Netflix series, “With Love, Meghan,” unfolds, experts like Doug Eldridge suggest this shift in focus may help her reshape public perception. “She seems to have learned a lot from her experiences,” he noted, hinting that perhaps she’s steering her career in a more positive direction.

Ultimately, while it’s easy to draw lines between these two influential figures, the nuances of their lives reveal that they, though united by celebrity, have traveled distinct paths under the spotlight.