In a jaw-dropping turn of events, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has sent shockwaves through her fanbase and critics alike with a surprising moment of flattery toward the British royal family during the latest episode of her podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder. Known for her candid critiques of royal life since stepping back from senior royal duties in 2020, Meghan’s unexpected comments have sparked a frenzy of speculation about her motives, her evolving public persona, and whether this marks a new chapter in her complex relationship with the monarchy.

The podcast, an eight-part series produced by Lemonada Media, has been a platform for Meghan to share her entrepreneurial journey, interview high-profile female founders, and offer glimpses into her life as a working mother in Montecito, California. However, it was her latest episode, featuring a conversation with a prominent businesswoman, that left listeners reeling. While discussing the challenges of building her lifestyle brand, As Ever, Meghan made a series of remarks that appeared to shower praise on the royal family’s work ethic and dedication to public service—qualities she has rarely highlighted in recent years.

Meghan spoke warmly about the discipline and resilience she observed during her time as a working royal, noting how the family’s commitment to tradition and duty inspired her own approach to her ventures. She described the royal family’s ability to navigate public scrutiny while maintaining a sense of purpose, drawing parallels to her own efforts to build a brand under intense media attention. For fans accustomed to her narratives of struggle and tension with the monarchy, these comments were nothing short of astonishing, prompting a flurry of reactions on social media and beyond.

The backdrop to this surprising moment is Meghan’s well-documented history with the royal family. Since she and Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, relocated to the United States, the couple has been vocal about their challenges within the royal institution. From their bombshell 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview, where they discussed issues of racism and lack of support, to their Netflix documentary series, which detailed their decision to step back, Meghan has often positioned herself as a figure breaking free from royal constraints. Her podcast Archetypes, which ran for one season on Spotify, tackled stereotypes and societal expectations, often with subtle nods to her royal experiences. Yet, her new series has taken a different tone, focusing on empowerment and entrepreneurship, with this latest episode marking a bold departure from her previous rhetoric.

So, what prompted this unexpected pivot? Some speculate that Meghan’s comments are a strategic move to soften her public image, which has faced criticism for being polarizing. Her return to Instagram in January 2025, after a seven-year hiatus, was a calculated step to reconnect with fans on her own terms, and her decision to disable comments on her posts suggests a desire to control the narrative. The success of As Ever, which sold out its initial product drop of jams, teas, and cookies in just 45 minutes, has positioned her as a serious player in the lifestyle industry. By aligning herself with the royal family’s work ethic, Meghan may be aiming to appeal to a broader audience, including those who admire the monarchy’s legacy.

Others see her remarks as a genuine reflection of personal growth. At 43, Meghan is navigating a multifaceted life as a mother to Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, while juggling her roles as a producer, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. Her podcast conversations reveal a woman who is introspective, often sharing stories of self-doubt, resilience, and the joys of family life. In recent episodes, she has opened up about her struggles with pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, her 2020 miscarriage, and the challenges of motherhood under public scrutiny. Her mention of the royal family could indicate a softening of past grievances, perhaps influenced by time and perspective as she builds a new legacy with Harry.

The episode itself was a masterclass in blending personal anecdotes with professional insights. Meghan’s guest, a successful female founder, shared stories of overcoming obstacles in the business world, prompting Meghan to reflect on her own journey. She spoke about the parallels between the discipline required in royal duties and the grit needed to launch As Ever, noting how her time in the UK taught her the value of perseverance. She also praised the royal family’s ability to maintain a public-facing image while managing private challenges, a nod that many interpreted as a subtle olive branch.

The reaction to Meghan’s comments has been a mixed bag. On social media platforms like X, fans praised her for showing maturity and grace, with some calling her remarks a “classy move” that could pave the way for reconciliation with the royals. Others, however, were skeptical, accusing her of opportunism and questioning whether her flattery was a calculated attempt to boost her brand’s appeal in the UK market. Critics pointed to her past criticisms, including her claims of “unconscious bias” within the royal family, as evidence that her newfound praise might lack authenticity. The debate has only intensified speculation about her next moves, with some wondering if she and Harry are planning a return to the UK spotlight.

Meghan’s entrepreneurial ventures have been a focal point of her post-royal career. As Ever, launched in March 2025, has drawn comparisons to lifestyle brands like Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop, with Meghan expressing flattery at such parallels. Her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, which premiered in January 2025, showcases her cooking and hosting skills, further cementing her as a lifestyle influencer. The podcast, meanwhile, has featured guests like Whitney Wolfe Herd of Bumble and Sara Blakely of Spanx, offering listeners a blend of inspiration and practical advice. Despite its initial Top 10 ranking on podcast charts, Confessions of a Female Founder has faced criticism for lacking depth, with some calling it an “inane stream of aphorisms.” Meghan’s ability to weather such critiques while maintaining her brand’s momentum speaks to her resilience—a quality she now attributes, in part, to her royal experience.

The timing of her comments is also noteworthy. The royal family has faced its own challenges in 2025, with King Charles III navigating health concerns and Prince William taking on increased responsibilities. Prince Harry’s efforts to mend ties with his family have been well-publicized, including his claims of wanting reconciliation despite limited communication with his father. Meghan’s praise could be seen as a supportive gesture toward Harry’s hopes for family unity, especially as the couple celebrates seven years of marriage and shares heartwarming glimpses of their children on Instagram.

For Meghan, the podcast is more than a platform for business talk—it’s a space to redefine her narrative. She has spoken about the importance of authenticity, admitting to moments of self-doubt as she builds As Ever under a “microscope” of public attention. Her decision to pause restocking her sold-out products, as discussed in a bonus episode with Tina Knowles, reflects a meticulous approach to brand-building, prioritizing quality over haste. Her comments about the royal family, whether strategic or heartfelt, underscore her ability to surprise and captivate, keeping the world guessing about her next move.

As the dust settles on this podcast bombshell, one thing is clear: Meghan Markle remains a polarizing yet magnetic figure. Her ability to spark debate, whether through a cooking show, a jam jar, or a single podcast episode, is unmatched. Whether her royal flattery signals a genuine shift or a savvy PR move, it has reignited fascination with the Duchess of Sussex. As she continues to carve her path, balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and a complicated royal legacy, Meghan proves she’s still a master at keeping the world on its toes.