The Meghan Factor: A Royal Expert’s Insight on America's New Princess—and How She Could Change the Windsor Dynasty Forever

by Patrick Jephson

As Californian TV star Meghan Markle becomes a British princess, is this the dawn of a bright new era for the ancient House of Windsor…or a dangerous, destabilizing step too far? Sixty-five years after Elizabeth II’s Coronation, and thirty-seven years after Diana’s ill-fated nuptials, the House of Windsor is embarking on a momentous marital experiment. The imminent addition of Meghan Markle from California to the planet’s most illustrious and revered royal lineage has so far been billed as an “olde worlde” celebrity curiosity. But in truth, it’s a historic landmark for the British Crown, marking either a 21st-century renaissance or final proof that the dynasty after Elizabeth may be fated to a slow demise. Either way, America now has a stake in royal fortunes unprecedented since Wallis Simpson took her divisive first step onto Buckingham Palace’s red carpet. In 2018, PATRICK JEPHSON marks the thirtieth anniversary of his appointment to the British Royal Household. As private secretary/chief of staff to Princess Diana, he witnessed the royal family in some of its least-royal moments and helped to chart the course of Diana’s unique global ascendancy. Now a naturalized U.S. citizen and New York Times bestselling author, in The Meghan Factor he runs a seasoned eye over the media hype and explains to an American readership that all is not what it seems in the world of princes, courtiers, and palace spin doctors.

146 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Patrick is a consultant, journalist, broadcaster and New York Times and London Sunday Times bestselling author, based in Washington DC.

His byline has appeared in every major UK newspaper and international titles as varied as TIME magazine, Vanity Fair, People, The Spectator, Paris Match, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung and the National Catholic Reporter. He is a published authority on corporate and personal branding, addressing conference audiences worldwide as well as events at the US State Department, the American University and the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. He also writes, presents and advises on factual and drama programs, appearing on every major US network as well as British and international platforms. Patrick is a consultant to the award-winning Netflix series The Crown.

Patrick owes much of his practical communications experience to Princess Diana, who chose him to be her equerry and only private secretary/chief of staff. He served the Princess for eight years (1988-96), responsible for every aspect of her public life, charitable initiatives, and private organization. He travelled with her to five continents, working with government officials up to head of state. Under relentless media scrutiny, his tenure covered the period of Princess Diana’s greatest popularity as well as the constitutional controversy of her separation from Prince Charles.

Patrick was born and raised in Ireland and holds a Masters degree in Political Science from Cambridge University. As an officer in the British Navy he served all over the world before being selected for royal duty. A naturalized US citizen based in Washington DC, he is founding partner in the specialist communications consultancy JephsonBeaman LLC (www.jephsonbeaman.com).



Born and raised in Ireland, Jephson studied a Masters degree in political science at Cambridge before becoming an officer in the Royal Navy.

After ten years of service, he was selected to join the Royal Household serving eight years as an equerry.

Jephson was private secretary to Princess Diana for more than seven years and travelled the world with her on Royal duties.

Part of his job involved writing speeches and public correspondence, as well as handling her relations with the media.

Jephson also witnessed the breakdown of her marriage to Prince Charles and was instrumental in handling it.

He has written two books about his time working with Princess Diana and is a TV writer and presenter now based in America.

Jephson is one of the people providing an interview in the controversial Channel 4 show Diana: In Her Own words.

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am fascinated by all things royal, and watching an American join the royal family had me ready to read everything on the subject that I can get my hands on. I was very interested to read Jephson's unique perspective on what Meghan could bring to the Windsor dynasty.
I enjoyed the insights and historical parallels, but felt like the book took a long time to build to its ultimate theme of how Meghan could effect the future of the monarchy.

[Cheryl Kloda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading "The Meghan Factor". It kept my interest at all times. The author writes about the positive and negative factors about being in the Royal Family. Author, Patrick Jephson, makes it clear that being in the Royal Family is a life of priviledge . However, the royals are also dependent on public opinion. According to the author, one should not be too controversial in the Royal Family. Better to keep a low profile. I think that Meghan being an actress is a plus for being in Public Life. Sharing it with a loving Prince Harry can make it easier. I believe if Princess Diana was still alive, she and Meghan would understand each other and be friends.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. A solid insider's look at the Firm and how that may impact the addition of Meghan Markle to the fold. It will be interesting to see if his predictions come true or if things will go in another, unexpected route. Though, I will say the epilogue was completely unnecessary and silly.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author spent most of the book reflecting on Princess Di (we get it, you worked for her) instead of talking about the change MM could bring to the royalty.

Finished the book and was left with one thought... that was it?

[Alison Carmel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meg. Ankle

Meghan Markle is BORING but an adequate actress for the part I suppose. She always looks “on” and so unauthentic
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