Not only is Helena Bonham Carter famous, she also knew Princess Margaret, who she plays in Season 3 of The Crown. Since she’s a star, she’s also no stranger to being the subject of all kinds of press attention, and she offered Duchess Meghan some advice on dealing with negative coverage on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen earlier this week.
Helena was asked about how she was feeling about the attention Meghan has been getting and what she thought of it.
“I don’t pay attention to it and I wish she wouldn’t have to,” she said. “I feel like there’s just so much. It’s just all too much.”
She went on to empathize, putting herself in the Duchess of Sussex’s position, and said there is an adjustment someone has to make once they become a household name.
“It must be really hard for her not to [pay attention to what’s being said], but all I’d say to her is, as soon as you become well known and in the public, it’s a domain you have to kind of accept,” she continued.
The BAFTA winner went on to point out that when people say negative things about someone, it often shows more about them than it does the person who is the subject of conversation. She then shared some useful advice she once received.
“The most important or useful thing that someone told me is [why are] you putting your self-esteem in the hands of strangers?”
Princess Margaret, Princess Anne and the Queen Mother at Prince Charles’s investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969. Photo: © Anwar Hussein/Getty Images
“That’s the same thing with Margaret,” she continued. “It’s really interesting playing her. So many people keep giving me an opinion about every single person in the royal [family]. You’re like ,’You didn’t meet them!’ Everyone feels that they’re an authority. And of course, unless you’ve met the person, don’t even voice an opinion.”
MORE: Kim Kardashian speaks out on Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry
Earlier this week, Kim Kardashian was asked what she thought about the negative press attention Meghan has been getting. The mother of four, who is no stranger to navigating the paparazzi and its fascination with her life, said since she’s also a parent, she’d thought quite a bit about what the Duchess of Sussex must be feeling.
“I can definitely… empathize with their need for having secure, safe place and taking time for themselves and having privacy when they need it,” she said.
Meghan and Harry are on an extended, six-week break from royal duties, and will spend Christmas with Doria Ragland, Meghan’s mother, though it’s unclear whether they’ll do so in the United States or at home at Frogmore Cottage. The Queen is supportive of their decision.