The Royals Wouldn't Let Meghan Markle and Mom Doria Ragland Go Out For Coffee
Meghan Markle and mom Doria Ragland weren't allowed to go out for coffee while Ragland was visiting her daughter at Frogmore Cottage, according to Omid Scobie.

- Meghan Markle and mom Doria Ragland weren't allowed to go out for coffee while Ragland was visiting her daughter at Frogmore Cottage, according to royal editor Omid Scobie.
- "Her isolated existence stood out in particular to her worried mother, Doria Ragland, who during a summer 2019 visit to Frogmore Cottage was surprised to discover that neither she nor her daughter was able to go out into Windsor town to pick up coffees," Scobie wrote in Harper's Bazaar.
- "'You’re stuck in here,' Doria told Meghan at the time," Scobie continued.
- Meghan discussed her isolation as a working royal in the Sussexes' bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey.
During the Sussexes' interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan Markle revealed she became incredibly isolated after joining the royal family, prevented by "The Firm" from meeting with friends or even leaving the house. Writing for Harper's Bazaar, royal editor Omid Scobie gave another startling example of Meghan's enforced isolation, revealing that neither she nor her mother, Doria Ragland, were permitted even to go out for a coffee.
"Lunch with friends could have momentarily lifted her spirits, but social outings were dismissed by royal family members and aides who said it would be better to lie low. Her image was 'everywhere right now,' they told her," Scobie wrote. "Her isolated existence stood out in particular to her worried mother, Doria Ragland, who during a summer 2019 visit to Frogmore Cottage was surprised to discover that neither she nor her daughter was able to go out into Windsor town to pick up coffees."
"'You’re stuck in here,' Doria told Meghan at the time," Scobie continued.
Meghan described her lonely existence as a royal to Winfrey, as well as sharing the racism she experienced both from the royals and the media and the lack of support she received from the palace. The Duchess of Sussex said she was prohibited from going to lunch with friends because the royals felt she was receiving too much media coverage—despite barely being able to leave the house.
"I am everywhere but I am nowhere," Meghan said. Sharing the palace's fixation on optics, she added, "Has anyone talked about how it feels? Because right now I could not feel lonelier."
RELATED STORIES
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.
-
The "Frightening" Easter Prank William Played on Eugenie
"Prince William has just stood on a chair and bitten the mouse's head off."
By Amy Mackelden
-
A Resurfaced Photo Reveals Charlotte's Royal Lookalike
"The Spencer genes are so strong."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Why Prince Andrew Attended Royal Family's Easter Service
It was previously alleged King Charles's "patience was wearing thin" with his brother.
By Amy Mackelden
-
How Princess Eugenie's Easter Sunday Outfit Takes Style Tips From Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton
From her nude heels to her bodycon dress.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Princess Diana's Close Friend Reveals What She Likely Would Have Thought About Meghan Markle
Richard Kay shared insights on the late royal and what her relationship with Prince Harry's wife could've been like.
By Kristin Contino
-
This Royal Couple Has the Most Pinned Celebrity Wedding of All Time—And a Surprising Royal Wedding Didn't Even Make The List
A new study found this ceremony gave Pinterest users the most inspiration.
By Kristin Contino
-
We Taste-Tested Meghan Markle’s As Ever Jam, Honey and Flower Sprinkles—One Word Kept Coming Up
Women across America gave 'Marie Claire' their thoughts on the Duchess of Sussex's first seasonal drop of products.
By Kristin Contino
-
The Special Gift Princess Lilibet Received From "Papa" Prince Harry in Meghan Markle's Latest Instagram Post
"Made with love."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Meghan Markle Shares Her Thoughts on Trump's Tariffs as She Launches As Ever
The Duchess of Sussex opened up about how her new business could be impacted in a new interview with 'Fortune.'
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle Reveals "Scary" Post-Birth Health Battle in First Episode of New Podcast
"I mean life or death, truly."
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle's Cozy and Affordable Gap Cable-Knit Sweater Set Is, Unsurprisingly, Selling Out Fast
The Duchess of Sussex danced around the kitchen with her dogs while making banana pudding.
By Amy Mackelden