It’s not breaking news that the media has been terrible to Meghan Markle ever since she and Prince Harry got together. Sometimes the intense, often racist vitriol is the result of a rabid British tabloid press, frequently it’s because of just a few, hyper-focused Twitter trolls who are able to fuel worldwide ire—and sometimes the call is coming from inside the palace. But according to Harry’s ex-girlfriend, Florence St. George (née Brudenell-Bruce), there was bound to be intense scrutiny on anyone who threw their hat into the ring with Prince Harry.
St. George, a potter and former model who’s now married with two children and living in the Bahamas, spoke with The Times (the London one, not the New York one) about the few months in 2011 that she dated Prince Harry. At first, her candidness doesn’t sound like a compliment: “Although it was sad at the time, I feel lucky that the relationship was short-lived,” she said. But you can see where she’s coming from as she continues:
“When I glimpsed for five, six, seven days — we were together a bit longer than that but that's how long it was in the press — what it was like to be under that focus I found it really terrifying and I made a decision quite quickly that it wasn't the right thing for me.”
Florence St. George, pictured in 2011.
It would be really scary to have such intense paparazzi feverishness, even for just a few days. Imagine, then, what it must feel like for Meghan Markle, who has experienced it for years, all as a backdrop as she tries to grow her family, speak out for her causes, and try to achieve some semblance of normalcy. Yikes.
St. George agrees: “I take my hat off to people who can cope with that lifestyle, but I knew I couldn’t.” Notice the little compliment to Meghan there?
So in case you needed it confirmed any further: Although Disney movies sure make it seem like being a princess is fun, in reality it sounds like even just dating a prince can be pretty nightmarish.
-
London Fashion Week Sets a Different Kind of Green TrendThe major market is following Copenhagen's footsteps.
-
Could Princess Charlotte Inherit One of Princess Diana's Most Iconic Fashion Pieces?We set the rumors straight.
-
Kristin Davis Was Offered Just $5,000 to Play Charlotte in the 'Sex and the City' Pilot, so She Called Her LawyerCharlotte York knows her worth.
-
Why Royal Courtiers Allegedly Gave Prince Harry and Prince Andrew Unexpected 'Dukes of Hazzard' NicknamesA royal expert claimed the nicknames—inspired by the famous TV show—relate to King Charles.
-
Why King Charles's Cousin Immediately Name-Dropped Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on 'The Traitors'Lord Ivar Mountbatten quickly established his connection to the Sussexes, and discussed his status as the first openly gay British royal.
-
How Prince Harry Honored One Man's Unexpected Request While Helping California Wildfire VictimsThe Duke of Sussex reportedly went incognito to find a special item for an elderly man affected by the disaster.
-
Meghan Markle Is Pushing the Premiere of Her Netflix Series Due to the Los Angeles WildfiresMeghan requested that Netflix delay the release "as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California."
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Hugged Victims of the LA Fires During Surprise Appearance in Pasadena"No one knew they were serving food with masks."
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Issue Statement on California's Devastating WildfiresThe Sussexes addressed the disaster, which is "affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life."
-
Meghan Markle Shares Her Most Personal Instagram Post Yet—Including Rare Glimpses of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—After Their Beloved Dog Dies"Thank you for so many years of unconditional love, my sweet Guy. You filled my life in ways you’ll never know."
-
Meghan Markle's Actual Kitchen Isn't Featured in Her Netflix Show—Here's What We Know About Her Real HomeThe Sussexes seem to favor a muted color scheme.
