Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s recent visit to New York has sparked mixed reactions, with some American media outlets criticizing the couple as “clueless California tourists.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made headlines during their trip to the city, coinciding with the UN General Assembly and President Joe Biden’s coronavirus summit.
At the Global Citizen Live concert, Harry and Meghan used their platform to advocate for vaccine equity and urged pharmaceutical companies to waive intellectual property rights on coronavirus vaccines.
Addressing the crowd, Harry emphasized that the battle against the pandemic extends beyond the virus itself, encompassing misinformation, bureaucracy, lack of transparency, and human rights issues.
During their visit, the royal couple also paid respects at Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan, honoring the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Meghan engaged with the community by visiting a primary school in Harlem to promote children’s literacy, where she read her new children’s book, “The Bench,” to the students.
Harry and Meghan’s presence in New York comes after their decision to step back as senior members of the royal family and relocate to California last year.
Despite their popularity in the US, a royal expert suggested that the couple may not be as adored as previously believed, citing coverage from certain media outlets during their New York visit.
The New York Post ran a headline labeling the couple as “Clueless California Tourists Visit NYC,” highlighting their use of gas-guzzling vehicles and a significant security detail.
Additionally, criticism arose over their choice to fly back from the Global Citizen Live event in a private jet, contradicting their stance on climate change.
Polling data from YouGov indicated that Harry and Meghan are not as favored in the US compared to Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge.
Following their highly publicized interview with Oprah Winfrey in March, the couple’s popularity in the US declined, with fewer respondents expressing sympathy towards them.
Despite distancing themselves from royal duties, Harry and Meghan’s New York visit was likened to a royal tour by the royal expert.
The couple engaged with political and activist figures, including meetings with the Governor, Mayor of New York, and the Deputy Secretary General of the UN, signaling their commitment to global issues.
The trip served as a platform for Harry and Meghan to amplify their advocacy efforts and assert their presence on the world stage.
While facing scrutiny from some quarters, the couple’s visit to New York underscored their ongoing dedication to social causes and public engagement.
