KEY POINTS

  • Meghan Markle felt very raw about George Floyd's death
  • Markle wanted to address the protests but also feared being attacked by the press
  • Prince William advised Prince Harry to return to the U.K. or move somewhere safer

Meghan Markle “felt very raw” about George Floyd’s death, according to an insider.

The Duchess of Sussex opened up about Floyd’s death when she addressed the graduates of her alma mater, Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles, on Thursday (June 4). In her statement, Markle said, “George Floyd’s life mattered.”

Sources close to Markle told Vanity Fair that the duchess wanted to address the protests that happened following Floyd’s death. However, she was unsure of how to communicate her message and at the same time, the duchess feared being attacked by the press.

“Like many people, Meghan has felt very raw about what has happened, this is a key issue for her. She knew whatever she said had to be communicated appropriately,” the source said.

“There has been a lot of discussions. It wasn’t easy, but she was determined to say something. These are her words, her sentiments—it’s 100% her.”

A different source, who works closely with Markle, added that the duchess’ address reminded her of the “old Meghan,” referring to Markle before she married Prince Harry.

“Listening to her was like hearing the old Meghan,” the duchess’ friend said.

“She sounds less restrained and more herself and much more how I remember her from when we first met, way back before she was a member of the royal family.”

In related news, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex recently hired a personal security team that costs them $8,000 a day. Celebrity security expert Will Geddes said that Prince Harry would understand their bodyguards’ protocol due to his upbringing and military background, but not his wife.

“What you don't want is Meghan — whom I've never met — asking her boys to pick up her rice milk from the Whole Foods down the road. So long as boundaries are stuck to, there should be no problems,” Geddes explained.

Meanwhile, Prince William and Prince Harry are already on speaking terms. According to an insider, the Duke of Cambridge recently advised his younger brother to return to the U.K. or move somewhere safer.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are currently in quarantine amid the coronavirus pandemic
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been staying home and practicing very safe behaviors to help flatten the curve. POOL / Andy Stenning