I’ve been meaning to write this for a few days and haven’t had the chance until now. Anyway, I was walking the paddock the other day, and the song “Speechless” from the live-action adaptation of Disney’s Aladdin came across my phone. To be honest, I had never listened to the song in full before now. When I did, it suddenly hit me; Meghan Markle isn’t Princess Ariel from The Little Mermaid, as she told Oprah last March. She’s Princess Jasmine.
For those of you scratching your heads, let me explain.
The song “Speechless” is performed by Naomi Scott, the actress who plays Jasmine in the live-action film. It’s about the character not having a voice, and essentially, because she is the Sultan’s daughter, she should be seen and not heard.
Since I’ve listened to the song, I had to relisten to it to ensure I was correct in my observation. The lyrics match what Meghan told Oprah to a tee. However, she passed herself off as Ariel. Why? Ariel was naive, and people, apparently, gravitate to naivety more than they do strength. This is according to Meghan’s claim she was The Little Mermaid.
Now, for those who might not be aware or don’t care, either way, the live-action Aladdin gave Jasmine a backstory and developed her into a more three-dimensional character. This wasn’t the case in the original animated film, as she was basically your average love interest.
As I listened, I could almost hear Meghan exclaim, “Yes! This song is what I’ll parrot to Oprah, but pass it off as Ariel! People will love it as they’re so stupid!”
The Deafening Difference
Now, if you’re a Disneyophile like I am, you’ll be aware that Ariel wasn’t forced to give up her voice. She WILLINGLY gave it up to the sea witch Ursula in exchange for legs. She had fallen in love with a human prince, Eric, and wanted to be with him at the cost of her voice.
To all the Sussex Squaddies out there reading this who will scream, “You’re wrong! Ariel didn’t willingly give up her voice!” No, I’m right, as I’ve seen the movie multiple times. I also know the original fairytale where the mermaid loses everything, commits suicide, and turns to sea foam. Yeah, there are no happy endings in the original source material. Disney was aware of this and put happy endings in for a more positive feel. Also, if you don’t believe me, look it up.
Anyway, Princess Jasmine was quite literally a prisoner in her own home. She could not go outside and had no one to talk to except her pet tiger, Rajah. Hmmm. Who does this remind us of? M-E-G-H-A-N! Meghan! Meghan! Meghan! Moreover, Aladdin saves Jasmine from having to marry Jafar. Aladdin isn’t royal. He was a normal person, living on the streets.
With the live-action Aladdin, Jasmine gives herself a voice when the men in her life dictate what she can and cannot do. Not to mention, her father is overly protective of her after the death of her mother.
Meghan’s Disney Princess Narrative
In Meghan’s mind, Harry is her knight in shining armour who rescued her from her wicked father and half-siblings who were so cruel to her. He then saved her from his evil family, who didn’t allow her to speak when she wanted. Oprah fell for this story hook, line, and sinker like it was a living, breathing fairytale.
What people perceived about Diana and Charles’ marriage was considered “a fairytale” when it was a nightmare on all sides. I did a satire piece on Meghan’s Disney Princess fantasy.
