Meghan Markle's 'Assertive' Sorority Girl Days Hinted At Her Royal Life Struggles, Experts Claim

Before rising to fame, Meghan Markle's time at Northwestern University and her involvement with Kappa Kappa Gamma highlighted her ambition, charisma, and leadership skills.

Sorority sisters praised her style, diplomacy, and philanthropy, though some found her "overly assertive."

Experts now note that these traits caused Meghan Markle to clash with royal protocol, which values discretion over individuality.

Before Meghan became the Duchess of Sussex or gained fame on "Suits," she was a student at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

During her time there, she joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, described by Vanity Fair as a group of "intelligent, hot messes Midwestern blondes."

According to royal commentator Amanda Matta, Meghan's college and sorority experiences offered early clues about how she would navigate her royal role.

"The sorority anecdotes show someone who wanted to organize, steer, and contribute, which are qualities that show up again in Meghan's approach to royal projects," Matta said. "But I can see how the determination that helped her stand out in college would later clash with the royal institution, which doesn't reward individuality."

Matta noted that qualities often celebrated in American culture, such as being "too persuasive" or "assertive," can be perceived as liabilities in a royal setting.

"In Meghan's case, they appear time and time again as negative qualities, whether about her as a boss or a duchess managing a staff," she explained.

Speaking to Fox News Digital, Matta added that Meghan's personality would have seemed ideal for senior royal duties at first glance.

Yet, the monarchy prioritizes tradition, hierarchy, and protocol over individual flair or standing out among other royals.

Sorority sisters remember Meghan as both personable and stylish. She offered advice on fashion and makeup, and often helped smooth over conflicts within the house.

"She was so engaging, and she had such a huge smile on her face, and she was such a really nice person," recalled Hailee Tellier in an interview with 7News. "I remember thinking this is a house that I really want to be part of, and I did end up joining that sorority."

However, Meghan didn't win everyone over immediately. In "Meghan and the Unmasking of the Monarchy," Princess Diana biographer Andrew Morton cites former classmate Ann Meade, who described Meghan as "overly assertive" and "a tad too persuasive" for some of her peers.

Known as an extrovert who readily offered help, Meghan quickly became a memorable presence among her sorority sisters.

"Meg was sort of always this ethereal, sophisticated, beautiful creature who lived with us and was always willing to lend you a top," recalled rushee Liz Kores Graham to the Chicago Tribune.

However, according to British royal commentator Hilary Fordwich, being a standout figure in the royal family isn't always advantageous.

"Meghan Markle's sorority experience certainly contributed to her social agility, further fired her ambition, but likely foreshadowed the eventual culture clash she experienced within the far more refined monarchy," Fordwich told Fox News Digital.

The expert noted that the sorority's "values emphasizing individual self-promotion and her craving for visibility clashed with royal expectations of self-effacement and adherence to protocol within the hierarchy."

Fordwich added, "She initially was popular as a royal, but her lack of dedication to duty and … her participation in denigrating the royals rendered her popularity irretrievable."

Meanwhile, Meghan has reportedly been doing everything possible to ensure her husband, Prince Harry, never forgets why he fell in love with her.

This comes after the Duke of Sussex reunited with his father, King Charles, in London, following a lengthy separation due to their family rift.

"It's frustrating for Meghan that Harry thinks this meeting with his dad – which lasted less than an hour – is some huge victory," a source shared, according to Reality Tea. "When she still feels there's a lot of unfinished business."

The source also spoke about Prince Harry's reaction to the reunion. "But Harry's still on cloud nine," they said. "Every conversation circles back to this reunion and what's next."

The duke reportedly "told Meghan there's nothing to be nervous about."

"He says it's a wonderful thing for the whole family and that, if they play the cards right, they can start enjoying the benefits of being a royal," the insider explained, adding, "While still doing things their own way as far as their careers and philanthropy go."