Helen Mirren Praises Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Decision: "I Applaud Them for It"

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

From Town & Country

Since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their intention to step back from their senior royal roles in January, the reactions have been mixed—but Dame Helen Mirren knows exactly whose side she's on.

"I think their instincts are absolutely right, and I applaud them for it," Mirren recently told Variety. "Hugely actually. Of course, it is complicated."

The actress went on to praise Meghan in particular. "Meghan Markle was a fantastic addition to the royal family—charming, did everything right, was gracious, was sweet natured, and seemed to be... Wow! What a lovely addition. Didn’t seem to be neurotic… So, I think it is a loss in a way, but at the same time I think their instincts are absolutely correct."

Photo credit: Chris Jackson - Getty Images
Photo credit: Chris Jackson - Getty Images

It wasn't clear what "instincts" Mirren was referring to, but she later referenced the British tabloids—publications that the Duke and Duchess clearly distrust, as evidenced by their lawsuits against outlets like Mail on Sunday and the Sun, and Harry's public letter condemning coverage of Meghan as "knowingly false and malicious."

Mirren also seems to think of the couple as victims of the press. "And I think it will all, hopefully, sort itself out, and the tabloid pearl-clutchers will get over their trauma at not having someone to attack all the time," she said. "They’ll find another victim… probably me."

Mirren isn't alone in this view—several actors who, like her, have played members of the royal family have come to the couple's defense. Helena Bonham Carter—known to fans of The Crown as Princess Margaret—has said that the Duke and Duchess are now "masters of their own destiny," adding, "Good luck to them." The Crown's Queen Elizabeth, Olivia Colman, has also called the press's treatment of the duo "just evil."

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