Meghan Markle's passport disclosure uncovers inconsistencies in travel statements

In March 2021, Meghan and Harry sat down for their groundbreaking interview with Oprah.

By M Muzamil Shami

Meghan Markle's recent statement about her travel is facing scrutiny after new details about her passport surfaced.

During their March 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan and Prince Harry made several startling revelations. This interview took place a year after they stepped down from their senior royal roles and relocated from the UK to the US.

One of the revelations Meghan shared was that after joining the royal family, she did not regain possession of her passport until she was in California.

She told Oprah, "You couldn't just go. You couldn't. I mean, you have to understand, as well, when I joined that family, that was the last time, until we came here, that I saw my passport, my driver's licence, my keys. All that gets turned over. I didn't see any of that anymore."

Critics quickly pointed out that Meghan had visited at least 13 countries during that period. Her travels, which began after she started dating Harry, included trips to New York, Ibiza, Italy, and Botswana. They also participated in three official royal tours, visiting Morocco, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, and Fiji. On each of these occasions, she would have been required to present her passport to border officials.

Palace sources clarified that Meghan's passport was kept secure but was always accessible for her use during holidays.

Royal author Margaret Holder confirmed: "Naturally, the Royal Family would ensure Meghan's passport was kept safe. However, it's inconceivable that she didn't have it for personal trips such as her New York baby shower, visits to friends in Canada, parties in Amsterdam, and a trip to Lake Como with George Clooney." Except for the monarch, all royals require a passport to travel abroad.