MP slammed for ‘essentially saying that Meghan Markle is a gold digger’

A Queensland LNP politician and avowed monarchist has been accused of “essentially saying that Meghan Markle is a gold digger” in a tweet.

LNP frontbencher Jarrod Bleijie, a life member of the Australian Monarchist League, claimed in the tweet on Tuesday that the Duchess of Sussex was “trying to take down the institution” because she would never be queen.

Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, made devastating claims about the royal family. Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, made devastating claims about the royal family.AP
In an interview with Oprah Winfrey that aired in Australia on Monday night, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan made devastating allegations about the royal family, including claims their cries for help were ignored and that someone in the family had “concerns” over the colour of their son’s skin.

In his tweet, Mr Bleijie suggested the royal rift began when Meghan realised she was not in line for the throne.

“The problem started when American actress Meghan Markle was told William would be King not Harry,” he wrote.

“It was at this time that she realised that she married the wrong Prince. So if she can’t be the future Queen, she’ll attempt to take down the institution.

“The Crown will prevail!”

Education Minister Grace Grace said Mr Bleijie’s comments were “absolutely disturbing and unbelievable”, given they came during Queensland’s Women’s Week.

From our partners

She said Mr Bleijie was “essentially saying that Meghan Markle is a gold digger”.

“It is nothing to do with whether I am a Meghan fan or not, I am a fan about women having a proper position in society,” Ms Grace said.

“To suggest she is who she married is absolutely unbelievable, Meghan is her own person and successful in her own right.

“I do not know the woman, but of course she is a woman who is very successful in society.”