In the final episode of her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder, Meghan Markle made a statement that many listeners interpreted as a subtle critique of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The episode, released on May 27, 2025, featured Markle in conversation with Sara Blakely, founder of SPANX, focusing on entrepreneurship and creative processes. However, it was a brief comment on naming children that drew significant attention and revived past tensions surrounding the royal family.
Markle advised, “If you have an idea about what you are going to name that baby, you keep it so close to your heart, until that baby is born and it’s named. Don’t ask anyone’s opinion.” This guidance struck a chord due to its timing and context, coming years after the public controversy surrounding the name of Markle and Prince Harry’s daughter, Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor.
The Lilibet Naming Controversy
The choice to name their daughter “Lilibet” — a longtime personal nickname for Queen Elizabeth — sparked significant debate and media scrutiny. Markle and Prince Harry claimed they had the Queen’s approval to use the name, yet multiple reports challenged this narrative. According to biographer Robert Hardman, the Queen was reportedly “as angry as I’d ever seen her” when she learned about the announcement, feeling blindsided by the public revelation.
Moreover, the BBC reported that the Queen was not officially consulted before the name was made public, fueling speculation about a rift within the royal family. The use of “Lilibet” publicly stirred controversy because the Queen had reserved the nickname for close family use only, making its public adoption by the Sussexes a sensitive matter.
Interpreting Meghan’s Advice
Many have interpreted Markle’s podcast advice as a veiled reference to this earlier naming dispute, suggesting that she was signaling the importance of protecting personal decisions from outside interference, especially from powerful institutions like the monarchy. This reading fits with the couple’s ongoing narrative about distancing themselves from traditional royal constraints.
However, others see the comment as simply general advice for anyone undergoing a creative or personal process involving vulnerable decisions. In this view, Markle’s words urge individuals to maintain privacy and confidence in their choices until the right moment, without reading too much into the royal context.
Broader Implications for the Royal Family
This episode adds another chapter to the public saga between Meghan, Harry, and the British royal family. Since stepping back from official royal duties in early 2020, the Sussexes have been vocal about their struggles within the institution, addressing issues related to privacy, media scrutiny, and family dynamics. Their candid discussions have polarized public opinion, with supporters praising their openness and critics accusing them of airing private grievances publicly.
The subtle dig at the late Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in 2022, underscores lingering tensions. The Queen was widely respected and beloved, and any suggestion of conflict involving her memory tends to generate strong reactions both in the UK and abroad.
Meghan Markle’s Podcast Journey
Confessions of a Female Founder was launched by Meghan Markle to spotlight women entrepreneurs and creatives, discussing challenges, resilience, and empowerment. The podcast gained popularity for its candid conversations and insightful advice, with Markle using it as a platform to share her experiences beyond the royal spotlight.
The final episode, with its layered messaging, is seen by some as Markle’s closing statement in this medium, offering lessons not only about business but about protecting personal identity and decisions.
