Prince Charles' Friend Called Meghan Markle's Family "Frightfully Common"
Nicky Halsam, a friend of Prince Charles and Camila, described Meghan Markle's family as "frightfully common." He did say that her mother, Doria Ragland, was an exception to that assessment, however.
Today in people talking about Meghan Markle, a friend of Prince Charles' has apparently called the Duchess of Sussex's family "frightfully common." Ouch.
The friend in question, Nicky Halsam (an interior designer described as an "old friend" of Prince Charles and Camilla by Independent), said of Meghan's family, "They’re frightfully common. It would have been awful if that huge lump [referring to Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle] had been there."
Halsam could have just dropped the mic and walked away there, but he kept going, speculating on how the royal family is dealing with the Markle family's antics and clarifying that Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, is not common—although obviously the world already knew that.
"The royals probably don’t quite know how to deal with them," Halsam added. "One person who wasn’t common was her mother."
Halsam also took the opportunity to comment on Meghan's wedding dress, as if that's his place at all.
"I didn’t very much like her dress," he told theDaily Mail. "It didn’t fit, among other things. It should have been made of thinner stuff, it seemed to be made of concrete."
It's worth noting that Halsam was not actually at the royal wedding and formed these opinions while watching from home, like the rest of us, well, commoners.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
"Thomas adores his daughter and swears he never wanted attention from the interviews," a source close to Thomas Markle told Us Weekly. "All he’s ever cared about is protecting Meghan. He wants the royals to stand by his side, but of course so far they haven’t."
Meghan Markle's Most Iconic Fashion Moments
Image 1 of 53
(Image credit: Karwai Tang)
March 9, 2020
Meghan and Prince Harry attend the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey with all of the royal family. Meghan is wearing a custom Emilia Wickstead dress and carrying a Gabriela Hearst Demi bag; she's also wearing Birks earrings and Aquazzura heels.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrive at Canada House in London for their first 2020 appearance. She is seen wearing a Reiss Coat, Massimo Dutti turtleneck and skirt, and Jimmy Choo Romy pumps.
(Image credit: Chris Jackson)
November 9, 2019
Meghan steps out in a bespoke Erdem dress, her favorite Aquazzura heels, and Jessica McCormack earrings, for the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend a panel discussion on gender equality with The Queen's Commonwealth Trust. Meghan is wearing a monochromatic look in a Joseph sweater, a Hugo Boss leather skirt, Sarah Flint pumps, and Emily Mortimer stud earrings.
(Image credit: Samir Hussein)
October 22, 2019
Meghan Markle arrives to the One Young World Summit in an Aritzia dress paired with Manolo Blahnik pumps.
(Image credit: Max Mumby/Indigo)
October 15, 2019
Meghan Markle recycles her engagement dress to WellChild Awards, a charity for seriously ill children and their families. She pairs her P.A.R.O.S.H. dress with a Sentaler coat and Montunas bag.
(Image credit: Samir Hussein)
October 2, 2019
For a South African engagement to visit the Youth Employment Services in South Africa, the Duchess of Sussex steps out in Hannah Lavery shirt dress, Madewell earrings, and Stuart Weitzman pumps.
Meghan and Archie step out for Archie's first royal engagement during the tour in South Africa. She wore a Club Monaco dress and a pair of Jennifer Meyer turquoise earrings.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit District 6 Museum in Cape Town, South Africa. Meghan wore a Veronica Beard blue button-down dress and Castañer espadrilles.
(Image credit: Max Mumby/Indigo)
September 12, 2019
The Duchess Of Sussex attends the launch of the Smart Works Capsule Collection, while wearing a Misha Nonoo button-down and wearing butterfly earrings and a cuff that once belonged to Princess Diana.
(Image credit: Mike Marsland)
July 14, 2019
The Duke and Duchess walk the red carpet for the Lion King premiere in London. Meghan wears a Jason Wu dress and Nikos Koulis earrings with a Gucci clutch.
Meghan Markle steps out for her first royal appearance since giving birth. She attends the 2019 Trooping the Colour with Prince Harry in a Givenchy dress and hat by Noelle Stewart.
Prince Harry and Meghan arrive at New Zealand House in London to pay tribute to the victims of the New Zealand terrorist attacks. Meghan wears a vintage black cape, Gucci clutch and Aquazzura black cut-out pumps.
(Image credit: Max Mumby/Indigo)
March 11, 2019
Meghan wore a Victoria Beckham dress, coat, clutch, and shoes to the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey.
(Image credit: Samir Hussein)
March 11, 2019
The Duke and Duchess Of Sussex attend a Commonwealth Day youth event at Canada House. The Duchess wore a Erdem set, Givenchy clutch, Aquazzura heels, and Birks earrings.
The Duchess Of Sussex wore Dior head to toe and Birks earrings while visiting Morocco.
(Image credit: Yui Mok - PA Images)
February 24, 2019
The Duke and Duchess arrive to the "Education For All" boarding house in Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Meghan wore an Alice and Olivia blazer and Birdies slippers.
(Image credit: Pool/Samir Hussein)
February 23, 2019
The Duke and Duchess Of Sussex visit Morocco. Meghan wore a Valentino dress, a Valentino clutch, and Gianvito Rossi gloves and pumps to meet the Crown Prince of Morocco, Moulay Hassan.
The Duchess of Sussex visits Smart Works wearing Kimai earrings.
(Image credit: Jeff Spicer/BFC)
December 10, 2018
Meghan appears at the Fashion Awards at the Royal Albert Hall. The Duchess wore a Givenchy dress, Tamara Mellon heels, Pippa Small earrings and bangles.
Prince Harry and Meghan visit New Zealand; both are wearing Muck boots.
(Image credit: Pool/Samir Hussein)
October 29, 2018
Harry and Meghan visiting New Zealand during their Autumn tour Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand. Meghan opted for Adidas Stan Smith sneakers for this occasion.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their royal tour in Australia. The duchess steps out in a Reformation dress with Sarah Flint sandals.
(Image credit: Chris Jackson)
October 21, 2018
Meghan spotted wearing Veja sneakers during day two the Invictus Games in Sydney, Australia.
(Image credit: Samir Hussein)
October 21, 2018
Meghan Markle attended a reception hosted by the Prime Minister of Australia at The Pavilion Restaurant, wearing White Blazer, Oroton bag, and Aquazzura pumps.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended a gala performance of "Hamilton". The Duchess wore Judith & Charles Blazer dress, Paul Andrew pumps, and Shaun Leane earrings.
(Image credit: Chris Jackson)
July 26, 2018
Meghan Markle wore a Carolina Herrera denim wrap dress, Birks earrings, J Crew bag, and Aquazzura pumps to the Sentebale Polo in 2018.
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
Zendaya Changes From Off-Duty Basics to Springtime Glam
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau’s Next Chapter Is Still Being Written
Prince Louis Turns 6—See the Adorable New Photo
Melissa McCarthy Defends Meghan Markle From Critics Who Are "Threatened" by Her
Will Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet Appear in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Two New Netflix Series?
Prince Harry Has Changed His Official Residence to the U.S.
Yes, That’s Meghan Markle’s Calligraphy on American Riviera Orchard’s Logo
Meghan Markle’s New Netflix Cookery Show Begins Filming Today—But Not Where You’d Expect It to Be Shot
Meghan Markle’s Lifestyle Brand American Riviera Orchard Reveals Its First Product Offering
Meghan Markle Thinks Prince Harry Is "Making a Big Mistake" in Wanting to Reach Out to William, Kate: Source
Prince Harry "Loves Being a Dad" to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, According to His Longtime Friend
