Meghan Markle’s legal clash with half-sister Samantha 'could affect the royal family'
The two sisters initially endured a legal clash in 2022
In 2022, Samantha Markle sued her half-sister, Meghan Markle, for allegedly defaming her in interviews.
This includes the Duchess of Sussex’s famous tell-all sit-down with Oprah Winfrey.
The case was dismissed with prejudice two years later. This meant Samantha couldn’t file the claims again.
Since then, Samantha has reportedly appealed the dismissal. Now, an oral argument could take place on September 9.
Meghan Markle slammed by half-sister Samantha over ‘defamation’ claims
Royal commentator Ian Pelham Turner has now chimed in on what could turn into another legal clash between Meghan and Samantha.
However, this may mean she ends up further away from a potential reconciliation between the Sussexes and the royal family.
“More legal disputes between Meghan and Samantha could break the fragile links between Harry and Meghan, trying to establish a way forward. The royals are hyper-sensitive towards any legal issues in America, resulting in any more secrets coming out to the detriment of the royals in the UK. This could be misconstrued as a timely action by Samantha Markle. As she sees her half-sister on the ropes regarding Netflix and a glimmer of hope to be reconnected with the royal family,” Turner alleged to Fox News Digital.
Royal expert explains why legal clash could ruin royal family ‘reunion’
British royals expert Hilary Fordwich also told the publication that legal trouble and murmurs of complaints are the last thing the royals like to hear.
In fact, they tend to live by the late Queen Elizabeth II’s motto of never complain, never explain.
“There is nothing good about this for Meghan Markle,” said Fordwich. “Her reputation is tarnished further by her own sister making such allegations. Whether true or not, it doesn’t matter. As neither way does it reflect well.”
When asked by Fox News Digital, Meghan’s team allegedly refused to comment about whispers of a brewing legal battle.
Royal Insider has also reached out to Meghan’s representatives for comment.
Samantha Markle’s lawyer issues statement
Meanwhile, in a statement sent to Fox News Digital, Samantha’s lawyer, Peter Ticktin, reportedly said: “The District Court judge, an Obama appointee, dismissed the lawsuit brought by Samantha Markle against her sister Meghan Markle, finding that there was no case. This decision was wrong. Now, we are tasked with convincing a three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals of how our case was solid.”
“Of course, we differ from the District Court judge, or we would have never brought the case in the first place,” Samatha’s lawyer added. “We are hoping and somewhat expecting that the panel of three judges on the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals will see the error by the lower court and reverse the dismissal.”
Meghan’s ‘tarnished reputation’
Doug Eldridge, a branding expert and the founder of Achilles PR, explained to Fox that such turbulence surrounding Meghan will continue to tarnish her reputation.
He went on to point out that Harry was very close with his brother and late mother. In contrast, Meghan has kept her estranged father and half-siblings “at arm’s length”.
It comes after reports claimed Harry could reunite with his royal relatives. Harry may attend his cousin Peter Phillips’ wedding. It comes after Peter’s recent engagement.
Read more: Reason King Charles and Prince William ‘would not welcome’ the removal of Andrew’s royal title
So, do you think Meghan and Samantha could clash again? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Royal Insider Facebook page.
