Rumors about Princess Anne’s supposed instant judgment of Meghan Markle have resurfaced, reigniting debate over one of the royal family’s most contentious chapters. While headlines claim Anne “saw through” Meghan within minutes, a closer look at the timeline and available evidence reveals a story shaped more by speculation and recycled tabloid content than by documented fact.
The Origins of a Persistent Royal Rumor
Recent reports suggest Princess Anne quickly sized up Meghan Markle and foresaw her brief royal tenure. These claims, however, trace back not to Anne herself but to a handful of psychics, anonymous sources, and social media commentators. The most widely cited source is TV psychic Debbie Davies, who has no direct connection to the royal family. Davies’ comments, made years after Meghan’s wedding, have been repeatedly quoted in tabloids and online forums, fueling the idea that Anne predicted trouble from the outset.
Despite the attention these stories receive, none are supported by verified statements from Princess Anne. The narrative’s persistence highlights how rumors, once seeded, can take on a life of their own—especially when they tap into public fascination with royal drama.
Princess Anne’s Real Role and Reputation
Princess Anne is recognized as one of the monarchy’s most dedicated members. In 2019, she completed over 500 official engagements, and her workload has remained consistently high in subsequent years. Known for her work ethic and low profile, Anne has largely avoided public controversy, preferring to let her actions speak for themselves.
When it comes to Meghan Markle, Anne’s only verified public comment came in a 2020 interview. Reflecting on Meghan and Prince Harry’s decision to step back from royal duties, Anne said, “I think it was probably easier for them, and I think most people would argue that there are downsides to having titles. So I think that was probably the right thing to do.” This measured response stands in stark contrast to the dramatic headlines suggesting animosity or foresight.
Meghan Markle’s Brief Royal Tenure
Meghan Markle officially joined the royal family in May 2018 and stepped back from her duties in January 2020, making her time as a working royal one of the shortest in recent history. During her tenure, Meghan completed 179 engagements—a figure notably lower than those of senior royals like Charles and Anne, who each logged hundreds more in the same period.
The brevity of Meghan’s royal career has fueled speculation and retrospective analysis. However, the timeline shows that tensions and the eventual exit unfolded over nearly two years, not in the immediate aftermath of her arrival.
How the “Saw Through Her” Narrative Spread
The phrase “saw through her” is rooted in comments by Debbie Davies, who claimed that Princess Anne’s facial expressions at the royal wedding revealed her true feelings about Meghan. Davies, a psychic with no royal ties, also asserted that Prince Philip shared her skepticism. These remarks, made after the fact, have been repeatedly cited as evidence of royal foresight, despite lacking any direct confirmation from Anne or other family members.
YouTube commentator Neil Sean further amplified the story, frequently referencing unnamed sources to claim Anne believed Meghan’s time in the royal family would be short-lived. Sean’s reports, often described by viewers as speculative or “clickbait,” have nonetheless shaped public perception, especially on social media platforms where dramatic narratives thrive.
Fact Versus Fiction: What the Record Shows
No credible source has ever documented Princess Anne making negative remarks about Meghan Markle or predicting her departure. The “minutes” detail—a claim that Anne judged Meghan almost instantly—appears to be a later embellishment, unsupported by any firsthand account. The only on-the-record statements from Anne regarding Meghan have been neutral or supportive.
Similarly, the idea that Prince Philip “saw through” Meghan from the beginning is contradicted by later reports suggesting his opinion changed over time, particularly after Meghan and Harry’s exit from royal duties.
The Mechanics of a Modern Royal Myth
The endurance of the “Anne saw through Meghan” story illustrates how rumors can be constructed and sustained. Sensational claims, especially those attributed to psychics or unnamed insiders, are easy to publish and share. They require little verification and cater to audiences eager for intrigue. As these stories are repeated and reframed, they gain a veneer of credibility, even when the underlying facts remain unsubstantiated.
Platforms like YouTube and tabloid media benefit financially from the engagement such stories generate, creating a cycle where dramatic narratives are rewarded and recycled. For many readers, these tales confirm existing beliefs about the royal family, making them even more likely to spread.
Looking Ahead: The Stakes for Public Understanding
Unverified claims about Princess Anne and Meghan Markle continue to shape public perceptions of both women and the royal family as a whole. These narratives, built on speculation rather than evidence, risk overshadowing the documented record and the complexities of royal life. As the story evolves, it serves as a case study in how modern media can blur the line between fact and fiction—reminding readers of the importance of critical scrutiny in an age of viral rumors.