It's Christmastime at Kensington Palace, and everyone has good reason to be filled with holiday cheer. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have had a beautiful year filled with love and new beginnings. The couple tied the knot in May in a lavish royal wedding. In October, the couple announced that they're expecting their first child, due next spring. It's been a whirlwind year filled with so much joy for Harry and Meghan, but sadly, there's been another side to the year as well.
As Meghan has been settling into her new life and thriving as both a wife and the Duchess of Sussex, her family has consistently spoken out against her in the press. The controversy between the Markles and the royals began with Meghan's father, Thomas Markle, accepting payment for a paparazzi photo shoot while he prepared for the royal wedding, which he ultimately did not attend due to health issues. Since then, Thomas has repeatedly done interviews in which he claims his daughter isn't allowed to speak to him. His other daughter, Meghan's half-sister Samantha Markle, has taken every opportunity to speak out against the duchess as well, both in interviews and on Twitter. Her most recent Twitter rant came after Harry and Meghan released the image that will be featured on their first Christmas card.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have had something of a fairy tale year. Their breathtaking wedding in May was filled with love and well wishes for the happy couple.
The two spent a good portion of the year traveling and fulfilling their royal duties as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
In October, the two announced Meghan's pregnancy. They will welcome their first child next spring.
While it's plain to see that the couple is so happy and so in love, not everyone is equally happy for them.
Several members of Meghan's family, with whom she has a very complicated relationship, have publicly bashed her time and time again in the media. The most vocal member has been Meghan's half-sister, Samantha Markle.
Kensington Palace recently released this never-before-seen image from Meghan and Harry's wedding, explaining that it was used for the couple's Christmas card.
Samantha immediately took to Twitter to comment on the card, which she felt was symbolic of all the people the couple has turned their backs on.
While the Markles' grievances with Meghan have been revisited frequently, it's unclear why Samantha references the Ragland family in her tweet. Meghan and her mother, Doria Ragland, have always maintained a very close relationship.
Fans of the royal family continue to slam the behavior of the Markle family.
Many believe that Samantha's actions, in particular, seem like that of a jealous sibling. She takes every opportunity to bash Meghan but also emphasizes their previous close bond. To fans of the Duchess of Sussex, it simply doesn't add up.
Some people believe that Meghan has cut off this part of her family due to their toxic behavior, which they do display whenever given the opportunity.
Samantha's tweets at Meghan's expense continued Sunday when she attempted to clap back at those who bashed her for continually criticizing the Duchess of Sussex.
Despite Samantha's attempts to justify her behavior, fans of the royal family have grown tired of hearing the same criticisms spun over and over.
While Samantha Markle continues to air her frustrations in 280 characters or less, Meghan is taking the high road. She has yet to address any of the family drama that has taken place this year and is focusing instead on building her life with Prince Harry.
