Columnist Amanda Platell has drawn parallels between Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, and Jason Arday, a former professor at the University of Cambridge who resigned after facing public scrutiny. Platell suggests that both individuals, despite different circumstances, have presented embellished versions of their life stories in pursuit of wealth and recognition.
Platell notes that Arday, the son of Ghanaian immigrants, claimed a difficult childhood and rose to become Cambridge's youngest Black professor. However, aspects of his narrative have reportedly unraveled, leading to his resignation. Similarly, Platell contrasts Arday's purported struggles with Meghan Markle's self-description as a "latchkey kid" raised on "TV-tray dinners," while also pointing out her private education and teenage visits to Buckingham Palace.
The columnist posits that both Arday and Markle sought fame, with Markle's career moves and marriage serving as examples, and Arday boasting a substantial offer for his memoir. Platell contends that without their fabricated narratives, Arday might have been a physical education teacher and Markle a bit-part actress.
Arday's alleged exaggerations reportedly included feats like running 600 miles in six days and appearing in a BBC documentary that aired before his birth. Platell suggests that while Markle may not have fabricated such elaborate tales, both share a narcissistic tendency to amplify their personal narratives.
In separate commentary, Platell also briefly mentions other public figures and events. She touches on Amanda Knox's Edinburgh Fringe performance, Rod Liddle's passing, and celebrity relationships involving Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper, as well as Tom Holland and Zendaya. The piece also includes observations on the television show "Ted Lasso" and commentary on UK political matters regarding asylum seekers and crime. Additionally, Platell shares a personal anecdote about Australian flies and a brief mention of Prince Andrew's court appearance.