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.
-
King Charles Plans to Surprise Queen Camilla With Special GiftThe monarch shared his not-so-secret plans with a celebrity at the Royal Variety Performance.
-
Prince William "Appalled" at Way Kate Middleton Was Treated"The princess is being encouraged to ignore critics."
-
King Charles Forced to Quit Hobby After "Too Many Injuries""I can't do much now," he explained.
-
Meghan Markle Throws it Back to Her 'Tig' Days With Her Most Personal Instagram Post YetShe's taking a walk down "memory lane."
-
How Meghan Markle Included a Sentimental Nod to Prince Harry—and Queen Elizabeth—in the Logo for As EverThe design is full of meaning.
-
Meghan Markle Launches Her 'As Ever' Era in a White Button-Down Shirt and Classic JeansThe big announcement was a return to basics.
-
How Meghan Markle Included Princess Lilibet—and Their Stunning Backyard—in Her New Brand, As EverThe rarely-seen toddler shared in the excitement for her mom's As Ever brand launch announcement.
-
The Deeper Meaning Behind Meghan Markle's Reimagined Brand, As Ever"This new chapter is an extension of what has always been my love language," the Duchess of Sussex wrote on Instagram.
-
Meghan Markle Paid Tribute to Her Friend's Late Son and His Twin With a Touching New Heart NecklaceShe wore the gorgeous red pendant in the announcement video for her new brand, As Ever.
-
Prince Harry Reportedly Had a Safety Scare at the Invictus Games and Was Forced to Leave an Event EarlyThe Duke of Sussex was apparently "ushered out" by his security team.
-
Prince Harry Had a Royal Family Reunion at the Invictus Games With Two Unexpected RoyalsThe Duke of Sussex was joined by the prince and princess at a sitting volleyball game.
