The world was captivated by Meghan Markle’s transition from Hollywood actress to British royalty when she married Prince Harry. Before her marriage, Markle gained fame for her role as Rachel Zane in the hit legal drama series “Suits.” However, it has now come to light that the Royal Family had a say in what Markle’s character could say on the show, with one particular word being off-limits.
The Royal Family’s Creative Input
According to Aaron Korsh, the creator of “Suits,” the Royal Family influenced the creative decisions surrounding Meghan Markle’s character, Rachel Zane, on the show. During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Korsh revealed that when Markle first began dating Prince Harry, the royals provided some input on the show.
Korsh explained that while the Royal Family didn’t interject on many things, there were instances where their opinions were expressed, and it could be “a little irritating.” One such instance was when Markle’s character was forbidden from saying a certain slang term.
The Forbidden Word: “Poppycock”
The word that the Royal Family prohibited Meghan Markle from saying on “Suits” was “poppycock.” Korsh shared that his wife’s family used the term when discussing sensitive topics. He had planned to include the word in an episode where Rachel Zane has a lovers’ quarrel with her on-screen love interest, Mike Ross.
As a nod to his in-laws, Korsh wrote the line for Markle’s character to say, “My family would say poppycock.” However, the Royal Family did not want her uttering the word, presumably to avoid any potential misuse or misinterpretation.
The Royal Family’s Concerns
The decision to prohibit Markle from saying “poppycock” was likely driven by the Royal Family’s desire to protect her public image. They wanted to avoid any possibility of the word being edited or spliced together with other words to create inappropriate content featuring Markle.
Korsh acknowledged that while he was initially irritated by the restriction, he understood the reasoning behind it. He didn’t want anyone manipulating Markle’s words either. He stated, “I had some sympathy because I wouldn’t want somebody doing that to her either. And the thing is, I didn’t think anybody really would, but also I don’t know. People are crazy.”
Changes Made for the Royal Family
To accommodate the Royal Family’s request, Korsh and the show’s writers changed the line from “poppycock” to “bulls**t.” While this alteration allowed them to maintain the integrity of the scene, Korsh admitted that he didn’t like the change. He had already informed his in-laws about the intended use of “poppycock” in the show, and the substitution didn’t align with his original plan.
It’s worth noting that there were possibly a few more instances where the Royal Family provided input on the show, but Korsh couldn’t recall the specifics. Nevertheless, it’s clear that their influence extended beyond just the use of the word “poppycock.”
The Mystery of Script Access
What remains unclear is how the Royal Family obtained advanced copies of the show’s scripts. Korsh admitted that he had no idea how they managed to see the writing before the episodes aired. However, he was aware that they had access to the scripts because he received feedback on Markle’s character.
Markle’s Departure from “Suits”
Meghan Markle’s time on “Suits” came to an end in April 2018, just weeks before her wedding to Prince Harry. She portrayed Rachel Zane, a paralegal turned fierce attorney, for seven seasons on the show. Following her departure from the series, Markle transitioned into her role as a full-time working member of the Royal Family.
Markle’s Potential Return to Acting
Recent reports suggest that Meghan Markle is considering a return to acting. Rumors indicate that she is in talks with renowned directors and producers for a comeback project, which could potentially be worth around $1 million. It’s unclear at this time what type of project Markle is looking for, but sources suggest she is interested in a dramatic role.
Conclusion
While Meghan Markle’s time on “Suits” showcased her acting talent and helped catapult her into the spotlight, it’s interesting to learn about the behind-the-scenes influence of the Royal Family. The prohibition of the word “poppycock” and the Royal Family’s input on the show’s creative decisions demonstrate their concern for Markle’s public image. As Markle explores new opportunities in her career, she continues to captivate audiences with her talent and grace, both on and off the screen.