Ever since the now Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their engagement in November 2017, Samantha Markle has relentlessly criticised her estranged half-sister. She’s branded Meghan ‘cold’ for ignoring their father, calling her a ‘Duchass’ in one Twitter diatribe, and is said to be publishing a tell-all memoir later this year entitled In The Shadows Of The Duchess.
Throughout the saga, Meghan and Prince Harry have remained resolutely silent, apparently telling advisors not to retaliate – even as it prompted so-called crisis talks among palace courtiers. But now it appears the royal couple have taken action. News broke last week that Samantha has been put on a ‘fixated persons list’ by police, as her actions pose a ‘reputational risk’ to the royal family. According to The Sunday Times, Meghan’s private protection officers have briefed detectives from Scotland Yard’s Fixated Threat Assessment Centre (FTAC) ‘about the embarrassment that Samantha could cause if she attempts another public rapprochement’.
The move is said to have been prompted by Samantha turning up at Kensington Palace with masks of Harry and Meghan. At the time, despite demanding to see her sister, she was turned away by security. ‘There is big potential for some major embarrassment for the royals,’ a source told the paper. ‘Samantha could make a scene and create headlines with her actions – and let’s face it, she’s kind of already done that.’
According to the website of the FTAC, the first joint NHS/police unit in the UK, its purpose is to ‘assess and manage the risks from lone individuals who harass, stalk or threaten public figures’. The body specifically works with high-profile public figures, including politicians and royals. It takes part in security planning for future events, arranges for ‘fixated people’ to be monitored and educates the police on how to spot ‘concerning’ behaviour.
The FTAC also has staff in control rooms at major events ‘to enable rapid intervention’. The move appears to mark a more proactive attitude from the Sussexes’ side in the wake of criticism surrounding Meghan’s entry into the royal family. At Christmas, she was pictured laughing and smiling while walking to church at Sandringham with the Duchess of Cambridge, who she was said to have reduced to tears over Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress fitting. This friendliness reportedly followed an intervention from the Queen after weeks of rumoured tension between the duchesses, as well as divisions between Princes Harry and William.
While Kensington Palace declined to comment on Samantha specifically, royal insiders see the move to place her on the list as the first official response to Meghan’s family. ‘This won’t have come from nowhere,’ said a source. ‘Someone – most likely on Meghan’s side – would have to ask for her to be put on the list. There is no doubt concern that Samantha could turn up in a crowd brandishing a letter, and the fact that Meghan is pregnant while all of this is going on is particularly worrying.’
‘Samantha has overstepped the mark,’ added royal biographer Robert Jobson. ‘Turning up at Kensington Palace was the moment she went too far. She’s behaved in such a ridiculous manner – it’s no wonder she’s on the list. But if the move was the royal family’s attempt to quell the drama, they may be disappointed, with Samantha defending her actions. ‘I would only say that is ludicrous. I’m not a reputational risk,’ she said.
Other members of Meghan’s family are also said to be unhappy with the report. ‘Meghan’s family – including her dad – are dismissing this,’ a source told Grazia. ‘They don’t see any real substance or credibility in it. Right now, the family’s stance is that they’re not afraid and won’t be silenced. ‘However, it has become very clear that Thomas has been listening to Sam and following her advice, and ultimately, that’s what’s cost him his other daughter,’ the source continued. ‘Thomas’s “thick as thieves” relationship with Sam has put an end to any hope of a reconciliation with Meghan.
Not only is this the first step towards a more formal approach against Samantha and the others, but it sends a very clear message that Meghan wants nothing to do with her and she never will. That will sting Samantha the most.