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Journalist Graydon Carter Criticizes Meghan Markle, Likening Her to “Undine Spragg of Montecito”
Former Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter has offered a scathing assessment of Meghan Markle, branding her the “Undine Spragg of Montecito.” This pointed remark appears to reference her post-royal life in California, where she relocated with Prince Harry after stepping back from royal duties. The critique was delivered in response to a question about the Duchess of Sussex, highlighting ongoing public interest in her transition and endeavors outside the royal family.
Carter’s Sharp Commentary on the Duchess of Sussex
Carter’s five-word jab surfaced in a contribution to Interview magazine, published on Thursday, March 27. When asked for his immediate reaction to Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, 43, the seasoned journalist did not hold back, drawing a literary comparison that has sparked considerable discussion.
The comparison to Undine Spragg, the protagonist of Edith Wharton’s 1913 novel “The Custom of the Country,” is telling. Spragg is depicted as an ambitious woman from the Midwest who relentlessly pursues social elevation in New York City’s elite circles.
Undine Spragg: A Character Analysis
In Wharton’s novel, Undine Spragg utilizes marriage and divorce as tools to climb the social ladder, driven by a desire for prominence and social recognition. Her character is marked by manipulation and a lack of fulfillment, even upon achieving her goals. Despite achieving outward success, Spragg remains perpetually unsatisfied, haunted by past failures and perpetually seeking more.
Implications of the “Undine Spragg” Comparison
This comparison suggests Carter views Markle’s trajectory as mirroring Spragg’s relentless ambition and social maneuvering. While Carter, aged 75, did not elaborate on his reasoning, the comment could be interpreted as a reflection on Markle’s life choices before and after marrying Prince Harry in 2018.
Royal Exit and New Beginnings in Montecito
Rumors of friction within the royal family predated Harry and Meghan’s marriage. However, the divide became pronounced following their wedding, culminating in their decision to relinquish royal roles and establish a new life in a $14 million estate in Montecito, California. This move marked a significant shift for the couple, distancing them from the constraints of royal life.
Post-Royal Ventures and Media Attention
Since relocating, the couple’s relationship with the royal family has remained strained, exacerbated by a revealing interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021. During this interview, Meghan made serious claims regarding racial bias within the royal family, alleging concerns were raised about her son Archie’s skin tone. These allegations further deepened the rift and fueled intense media scrutiny.
Expanding Media Presence and Business Ambitions
Prior to the birth of their daughter Lilibet, now 3, Harry and Meghan entered into a substantial $100 million agreement with Netflix. Their partnership with the streaming platform has yielded several projects, including the docuseries “Harry & Meghan” (2022) and “Polo” (2024). Meghan also hosts a cooking series, “With Love, Meghan,” which has reportedly been renewed for a second season.
Markle’s Lifestyle Brand and Entrepreneurial Drive
Undeterred by challenges, Meghan Markle continues to expand her entrepreneurial endeavors. Her lifestyle brand, As Ever, recently launched after overcoming initial trademark hurdles. Simultaneously, she revamped her podcasting efforts, partnering with Lemonada Media in February 2024 following the conclusion of her Spotify podcast, “Archetypes.”
New Podcast and Digital Storefront
This month saw the trailer release for Markle’s new podcast, “Confessions of a Female Founder,” alongside the launch of a digital retail platform. Reports suggest Markle believes these new ventures will propel her to significant wealth, with aspirations of achieving “billionaire” status, signaling her strong ambition and focus on building a successful business empire.