The simmering tension between Meghan Markle and the British Royal Family has been reignited, this time sparked by comments from Anne Tennant, Baroness Glenconner, a close friend of the late Queen Elizabeth II. In a recent podcast, Lady Glenconner expressed her views on the Duchess of Sussex, suggesting Meghan misunderstood the expectations and responsibilities of royal life.

“I think the thing about Meghan was, she had no idea what was expected of her really and thought it was sort of like being another actress, you know. Riding around in a golden coach and everything like that,” Lady Glenconner remarked. This blunt assessment from a respected figure within royal circles has rekindled the ongoing rift.

Lady Glenconner’s comments have caused quite a stir, nearly four years after Meghan and Prince Harry’s high-profile departure from the UK to the United States. “She’s back in the hot seat,” a source close to the situation revealed. “This time, it’s the queen’s childhood friend who’s accusing her lady of having a skewed sense of duty.”

The 91-year-old baroness, known for her long-standing association with the British monarchy, voiced her concerns, portraying Meghan as someone who treated her royal role more as a celebrity status than a duty-bound position. This has been perceived as a significant criticism from an esteemed royal insider, further escalating tensions between Meghan and the royal establishment.

The situation took another turn when Lady Glenconner recounted a conversation with former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry during King Charles III’s coronation. She asked Kerry about American perceptions of Harry and Meghan, to which he allegedly responded, “We all feel very, very sorry for Harry.” This insinuation that Meghan is to blame for the couple’s challenges has stirred controversy. However, a spokesperson for Kerry clarified, “As a father in the public eye himself, John Kerry has nothing but empathy for people working through a family matter who all deserve privacy and compassion.”

Amidst this renewed controversy, Prince Harry has remained supportive of his wife. However, the Duchess of Sussex is reportedly “upset and furious,” feeling that the criticism is another attempt to tarnish her character. “Meghan believes the royal family is loving this — especially the ‘feeling bad for Harry’ comments,” the source added.

This latest development in the ongoing saga between Meghan Markle and the Royal Family reflects deep-seated issues and perceptions. As the Royal Family navigates its future, the Duchess’s place within it and her public image continue to be subjects of intense scrutiny and debate.

US Weekly spoke to the source.