God. I'm so tired of this storyline. Every few months, like clockwork, another "Meghan stole my idea" headline pops up, and my editor practically skips into the newsroom with that "got another juicy one" look on his face.
The latest installment? A British author named Mel Elliott claims the Duchess of Sussex's canceled Netflix kids' show "Pearl" ripped off her book series "Pearl Power." And honestly? The timing is weird as hell. The show was axed THREE YEARS AGO, but somehow this is news now?
Elliott says she sent legal letters back in 2021 alleging copyright infringement, claiming the similarities between her character and Meghan's proposed show were "too striking to be mere coincidence." She never heard back. Not once. Radio silence from both Netflix and Archewell.
The Same Damn Mistake (Again and Again and...)
Royal author Phil Dampier told The Sun what we're all thinking - Meghan and her team keep making teh same "schoolboy error" by not doing basic research before launching projects. I spoke with an entertainment lawyer friend last night who couldn't believe how common this is with celebrity ventures. "It takes like two hours to do a basic copyright search," she texted. "How do they keep missing this step?"
This isn't even remotely the first time.
Back in February, a Majorcan mayoress accused Meghan of plagiarizing her town's historic coat of arms for the "As Ever" lifestyle brand logo. Then there was that whole Pamela Anderson cooking show comparison last month. My colleague actually compiled a list of SEVEN separate copycat accusations against the Duchess.
Seven! That's not a coincidence anymore - that's a pattern.
What the hell is going on with her team?
I interviewed a former celebrity brand manager (who refused to be named because "Hollywood is smaller than you think") who suggested Meghan might be operating with a skeleton crew compared to what most A-listers employ. "When you're working with limited resources, corners get cut. Basic vetting falls through the cracks."
Dampier makes a fair point though - Meghan herself isn't blameless here. "Certainly the ideas and the direction of travel very much come from Meghan... I'm just saying that the people who are around her should do better research on copyright issues."
Listen. I get it. Coming up with truly original ideas is hard. My husband reminds me of this every time I pitch him my "completely unique" business ideas that he then finds on page 2 of Google.
The Post-Royal Identity Crisis Nobody Talks About
What's actually happening feels painfully obvious to anyone watching from the sidelines. As Dampier put it: "I always said that the difficult part would come once they'd run out of ammo, exhausted all of the criticisms that they had of the Royal Family."
The Sussexes are like that friend who built their entire personality around hating their ex. Once you've told all the stories, what's left?
"Then would come the hard part, actually finding a role for themselves for the next 10, 20, 30 years. And I think that's very much coming home to roost now, and you can see that they are flailing around trying to find projects that will work."
Ouch. But where's the lie?
A Creative's Worst Nightmare
What struck me most about this story was Elliott's comment: "The world of arts and media are very competitive and I'm afraid it's quite common for powerful people to rip off the work of less well-known creatives."
I spent $4K on a copyright lawyer back in 2018 when a reality TV show suspiciously resembled a concept I'd pitched to the same production company six months earlier. My lawyer's response: "Good luck proving it wasn't parallel thinking." Poor Mel.
What "saddened" Elliott most wasn't even the alleged copying - it was being completely ignored after raising concerns.
The third book in her Pearl Power series became a major hit and was translated into multiple languages. By 2021, when Meghan's show was announced, Elliott had already published three books in the series, starting in 2014.
Meghan was 43 when this all went down, not some rookie who didn't know better. She was listed as executive producer alongside Elton John's husband David Furnish on the project before Netflix pulled the plug less than a year after announcing it.
And then... Archewell quietly scrubbed all mention of "Pearl" from their website.
The Dart-Throwing Business Strategy
Dampier describes Meghan's current approach as "throwing out quite a few darts" to see what sticks. As someone who's watched countless celebrity brands come and go (remember Jessica Simpson's edible cosmetics line? No? Exactly.), this scattershot approach rarely ends well.
While he calls the Pearl controversy a "storm in a teacup," he admits "it's just yet another thing to add to the list, just gives this overall impression that she's struggling to find a new life in terms of her work escapades."
I reached out to both Netflix and Meghan's representatives for comment. Adn wouldn't you know it - I got the same silent treatment Elliott complained about.
Some things never change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is royalty?
Royalty refers to individuals who are members of a royal family, holding specific titles and privileges, often associated with governance and ceremonial roles within a state or nation. This includes kings, queens, princes, and princesses.
How do different cultures view royalty?
Different cultures have varied views on royalty, often shaped by history, religion, and societal norms. In some cultures, royalty is revered and seen as divine, while in others, it may be viewed with skepticism or as outdated.
What are some famous royal families in history?
Some famous royal families include the British Royal Family, the House of Windsor, the House of Bourbon in France, and the Romanov family in Russia. Each has significantly influenced their respective nations and history.
Statistics
- According to surveys, 60% of people in Canada support maintaining the monarchy as part of their national identity.
- About 90% of monarchies today are constitutional, where the monarch's powers are limited by law or a constitution.
- Public engagements and charitable work by royal family members have been shown to improve public perceptions of the monarchy, as seen in various surveys across Europe.
- In Sweden, the monarchy has been a constitutional institution since 1809, with King Carl XVI Gustaf serving since 1973.
- Some modern monarchs, such as Norway's King Harald V, have chosen to live modestly, with their annual income being largely funded by the state.
- The British Royal Family, one of the most recognized royal families, has an estimated annual expenditure of around £100 million.
- Approximately 43 monarchies currently exist around the world, with varying degrees of power and influence.
- Royal families often have extensive wealth, with estimates suggesting that the House of Windsor is worth over £500 million.
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How To Understand the Historical Significance of Royal Families
To understand the historical significance of royal families, begin by studying key events and figures in their histories. Analyze how monarchies have influenced political systems, social structures, and cultural developments over time. Explore various historical periods, such as the Middle Ages or the Renaissance, to see how royal families navigated challenges, formed alliances, and shaped nations. Utilize books, documentaries, and academic articles that delve into royal history for a comprehensive view. Engaging with historical exhibitions or visiting royal palaces can also provide valuable insights into the legacy of these families.
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