Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have stirred up controversy by seemingly re-engaging in royal duties following their decision to step down as senior members of the royal family.
Royal expert Natalie Oliveri shared her insights on the couple’s recent activities in New York and the ensuing fallout.
Speaking on Today AU, Ms. Oliveri highlighted how some individuals have criticized the Duke and Duchess for embarking on what appears to be a royal-style tour without officially representing the Queen in their capacity as former senior royals.
The scrutiny primarily revolves around Meghan and Harry’s interactions with prominent figures, such as the Mayor of New York.
According to Ms. Oliveri, there has been widespread condemnation of the couple’s actions, with some going as far as labeling their tour as an embarrassment due to the perceived abandonment of royal responsibilities following their departure from senior royal roles.
The public perception seems to suggest a return to royal engagements for Meghan and Harry, triggered by the nature of their meetings and visits during their time in New York.
Their itinerary included poignant stops at the One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial, where they engaged with the Mayor of New York before proceeding to the United Nations and a school in Harlem.
During the school visit, Meghan read excerpts from her book “The Bench” while Harry sat attentively in the front row.
The pinnacle of their New York excursion was their attendance at the Global Citizen Live concert in Central Park, where they advocated for equal access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Notably, royal expert Angela Levin also weighed in on Meghan and Harry’s activities, criticizing what she termed as a pseudo-royal expedition.
Speaking on Talk Radio, Ms. Levin expressed her bemusement and disapproval, characterizing Meghan and Harry’s actions as a mimicry of traditional royal engagements.
She highlighted the irony of the couple’s behavior, questioning their allegiance and performance compared to established royal protocols.
In their swift yet impactful tour of New York, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle emerged for their first public appearance together since the birth of their daughter, Lilibet, in June.
The purpose behind their visit was to partake in Global Citizen Live, a 24-hour event hosted at Central Park, advocating for universal access to the COVID-19 vaccine and featuring a star-studded lineup including Ed Sheeran, Lizzo, and Elton John.
During their visit to the United Nations, Meghan and Harry engaged with Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, with Meghan later describing the encounter as delightful as they departed the UN headquarters.
Subsequently, the couple graced the Global Citizen Live event, with Meghan donning a chic Valentino shift dress and accessorizing with a Christian Dior Lady D light bag, a tribute to Princess Diana.
Notably, she adorned her late mother-in-law’s Cartier tank watch, a sentimental piece gifted to Princess Diana on her 21st birthday.
