Meghan Markle's UK Outing With Ellen DeGeneres Sparks Expert Commentary

Meghan Markle's recent photographed outing in the Cotswolds with entertainment figures Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi has drawn commentary from royal experts regarding her stated desire for a more private existence in the United Kingdom. The encounter, Markle's first public appearance captured in the U.K. since her arrival, has led some to question the nature of her return.

Kinsey Schofield, host of YouTube’s "Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered," noted that while the Cotswolds could offer privacy, Markle's choice of social company suggests otherwise. "If Harry and Meghan genuinely wanted to disappear into quiet country life, the Cotswolds is one of the places where they could probably accomplish that," Schofield told Fox News Digital. "Instead, Meghan’s first photographed social outing is with Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi. That tells me she remains very interested in celebrity and in being associated with recognizable, high-profile people."

Schofield observed that Markle appears to be replicating the social dynamic from her time in Montecito, California, where she and Prince Harry associated with influential individuals. "If anything, this suggests she may be trying to recreate elements of Montecito in the Cotswolds: privacy when she wants it, but with a glamorous and recognizable social circle around her," Schofield added.

Another royal expert, Hilary Fordwich, echoed this sentiment, stating that Markle "does nothing per chance." Fordwich suggested the outing was a deliberate signal to demonstrate that Markle is "extending her celebrity world from CA to the Cotswolds, aiming to be viewed as significant" and is "sticking to celebrity lane insulated by privilege & not integrating into English life."

The choice of DeGeneres as a companion also raised eyebrows due to past controversies. Schofield pointed out the "irony" of Markle being photographed with DeGeneres, given DeGeneres's past workplace allegations and Markle's own past accusations of bullying Palace staff, which she has denied. "Given that history, I am surprised Meghan would want photographs of the two of them together circulating so soon after her return to Britain. It invites comparisons I would imagine her advisers would rather avoid."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their intention to return to the U.K. in late August and relocated with their children shortly thereafter. This move followed their decision in January 2020 to step down as senior working royals and their subsequent relocation to California in March of that year.

Schofield further suggested a divergence in priorities between Prince Harry and Markle regarding their lives back in Britain. She indicated that Prince Harry seems more focused on maintaining the "appearance and rhythm of royal life," engaging in public duties and speeches. In contrast, Schofield believes Markle is more inclined towards "celebrity and commercial opportunities." This difference, Schofield posits, may explain Markle's absence from some of Prince Harry’s events and suggests they may have "very different ideas about what they want their lives back in Britain to look like."

Schofield also noted Markle's awareness of her standing with the British public, stating that she "consistently polls near the bottom" in royal popularity. According to Schofield, Markle understands that public opinion is unlikely to shift quickly and that immediately engaging in public-facing events could lead to uncomfortable experiences. This likely contributes to her more private approach to her current stay in the U.K.