The royal family’s influence on Meghan Markle’s career began long before she ever went public with now-husband Prince Harry. Suits creator Aaron Korsh recently revealed surprising feedback from Buckingham Palace on the scripts of the popular USA series that launched the Duchess of Sussex’s acting career.
“I will say, and I think Harry put this in the book because I heard people talking about it—[the royal family] weighed in on some stuff,” Korsh told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview published Aug. 29. “Not many things, by the way, but a few things that we wanted to do and couldn’t do, and it was a little irritating.”
One specific instance involved a famous British colloquial term Korsh wanted Markle’s character, Rachel Zane, to say to her love interest, Mike Ross, played by Patrick J. Adams. “My wife’s family, when they have a topic to discuss that might be sensitive, they use the word ‘poppycock,'” Korsh, who is married to Kate Korsh, explained. “So, in the episode, Mike and Rachel were going to have a thing, and as a nod to my in-laws, we were going to have her say, ‘My family would say poppycock.’ And the royal family did not want her saying the word.”
As for why the term was vetoed? “They didn’t want to put the word ‘poppycock’ in her mouth,” he continued. “I presume because they didn’t want people cutting things together of her saying ‘cock.’ So, we had to change it to ‘bulls–t’ instead of ‘poppycock,’ and I did not like it because I’d told my in-laws that it was going to be in the show. There were maybe one or two more things, but I can’t remember.”
While Korsh complied with the palace’s request, he remains uncertain about the specifics of who reviewed the scripts. “I don’t know how they got ’em,” he admitted. “I was aware that they were reading them because I got the feedback, but I don’t remember the process by which they got them.”
Meghan’s Role in Suits
Meghan Markle’s role as Rachel Zane on Suits was a significant part of her acting career. Playing a paralegal who worked her way up to becoming an attorney, Markle’s character was known for her intelligence, ambition, and style. The show was immensely popular and ran for nine seasons, with Markle starring in seven of them before departing to focus on her royal duties.
The Royal Transition
Meghan’s transition from actress to duchess was anything but typical. Her relationship with Prince Harry thrust her into the global spotlight, where every aspect of her life, including her acting career, was scrutinized. The influence of the royal family on her professional life became apparent during the filming of Suits, as Buckingham Palace began to weigh in on the show’s content.
The “Poppycock” Incident
The term “poppycock” became a point of contention. In British English, “poppycock” is a mild, somewhat old-fashioned term for nonsense. However, the palace was concerned about potential misinterpretations or manipulations of Markle’s dialogue, fearing it could be taken out of context. This incident highlights the careful control and influence the royal family exerted over Markle’s public image even before she officially joined the family.
Script Reviews
Korsh’s revelation about the palace’s involvement raises questions about how much influence they had over the show’s content. While it is not unusual for actors to have some input on scripts, the involvement of the British royal family is certainly unique. Korsh’s experience shows the extent to which Meghan’s new royal role impacted her work on Suits.
Post-Suits Career
Since leaving Suits and stepping down as a senior member of the royal family, Meghan Markle has ventured into various projects, including producing and philanthropic work. Alongside Prince Harry, she founded Archewell, a non-profit organization focused on humanitarian efforts. They have also signed deals with major streaming platforms like Netflix and Spotify, aiming to create content that informs and inspires.
Public and Media Scrutiny
Meghan Markle’s transition from Hollywood actress to a member of the British royal family and then to a prominent public figure in the United States has been marked by intense media scrutiny. The revelation of the royal family’s influence on her acting career adds another layer to the public’s understanding of her experiences.
Her time in the spotlight has been tumultuous, with constant media attention and public debate over her role and actions. This scrutiny has often overshadowed her professional achievements and contributions to various causes.
Conclusion
The royal family’s influence on Meghan Markle’s career is a testament to the unique challenges she faced as she navigated her roles in both Hollywood and the British monarchy. Aaron Korsh’s revelations about the palace’s feedback on Suits scripts highlight the complexities of Meghan’s position and the careful control over her public image. As Meghan and Harry continue to build their post-royal life, they remain influential figures dedicated to making a positive impact on the world.
