While Meghan Markle wowed royal watchers with her impressive Spanish during a visit to Colombia in 2024, she has previously admitted feeling some frustration over not yet mastering another language much loved by her royal in-laws — French.
In a candid post from her now-archived lifestyle blog The Tig, the Duchess of Sussex revealed her ongoing struggle to become fluent in French, despite years of effort.
“Then there’s the French – a language I studied through high school and then lost as I immersed myself in speaking Spanish with the Argentinians during my stint in Buenos Aires,” she wrote. “I have put my little Rosetta Stone headset in my eager ears every year, resolving to do interviews en français, but much to my chagrin, it hasn’t stuck.”
French holds special significance within the royal family. King Charles and Prince William are both known for their fluency in the language, with the monarch often displaying his skills during formal state events.
Just this week, King Charles delivered an impressive 26-minute speech in both English and French while opening the 45th session of Canada’s Parliament — a symbolic moment as he became only the second monarch to do so, following his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
“As I have said before, ‘Every time I come to Canada… a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream – and from there straight to my heart,’” the King said, demonstrating both linguistic grace and emotional warmth. He has previously spoken French during key moments, including Canada Day in 2017 and meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron in 2020. It is widely believed he also speaks Welsh, German, and some Greek.
Language learning continues to be a popular pursuit in the UK, with a 278% rise in French learners between 2023 and 2024 alone. According to Jason Brickey, Senior Manager for Curriculum Content at Rosetta Stone, the key to fluency lies in consistency and patience.
“Make a plan to study consistently — at least 30 minutes a day, 3–4 times a week,” he advised. “Stay curious, look for patterns, and don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Immersing yourself in appropriate media like podcasts, videos, and articles helps reinforce your learning.”
Meghan, who lived in Canada during her Suits years, likely had more exposure to French while residing in Toronto. When asked about her skills in February 2025 during a visit to Whistler, she modestly said she could speak “un petit peu.”
She appeared far more confident in Spanish, delivering part of a speech in the language during her Colombia trip, and charmingly apologizing for any errors: “I learnt the language 20 years ago in Argentina, but I am trying.”
That Argentine experience refers to her internship at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires in 2002 — a formative chapter that left her with a lasting command of Spanish, even if her French continues to be a work in progress.
