Meghan Markle’s Mother Doria Ragland Encouraged Prince Harry’s Split With Royal Family

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry shocked fans when they announced their plan to step back from their royals. However, insiders revealed the couple didn’t follow through with their decision until after they received support from Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland.

Since Meghan married Harry in 2018, Doria has become an unofficial advisor for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Along with helping the couple after they became parents to baby Archie, the two also looked to Meghan’s mother whenever making an important decision.

A source told the Daily Mail that Doria was a driving force behind Meghan and Prince Harry’s decision to distance themselves from the royal family.

“Doria comes across as this nose-ring wearing, dreadlocked hippy, but she has total self-belief, something she passed on to Meghan. Doria’s advice to Meghan was always, ‘Don’t give the milk away for free,’” the insider explained.

“When Meghan and Harry announced they were walking away from their jobs as Royals to be financially independent, it immediately smacked Doria. Being financially independent has always been important to her.”

While Meghan has always had a strong bond with her mother, insiders claimed Harry has become especially close to the California native. “Meghan has always trusted her completely, but she has become a rock to Harry who, of course, lost his own mother so young,” the source shared.

“Doria has a great warmth. She’s a brilliant cook and is very motherly, but she isn’t someone who seeks attention, and for Harry, her discretion and silence mean the world.”

Insiders claimed that due to Doria’s loyalty, she was a “silent but steely” influence behind Meghan and Prince Harry’s decision to become financially independent.

“Doria has always been someone who values her privacy and no more so than now. But she has been back and forth for the last few weeks. And when she’s not with them, she is on the phone constantly,” the source said.

Despite claims about Meghan and Harry’s strong bond with the actress’ mother, the palace has not addressed reports suggesting Doria influenced the couple’s decision.