Meghan Markle and Prince Harry shocked everyone when they announced their decision to leave the royal family for good. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex first lived in Vancouver Island in Canada before they settled in Los Angeles amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Months after they officially decided to step down as senior royals, the royal pair continues to face criticisms and controversies. In fact, Daily Express reported that Meghan and Prince Harry were snapped giving key supplies on Wednesday, August 19. They were seen handling clothes and books to families in need as part of Baby2Baby’s charitable initiative.
However, a number of netizens were not pleased after it appeared that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry had brought a photographer to take snaps of the couple during the said event. Critics were quick to put express their disappointment on social media.
“They’ve been there for how long? They showed up to deliver meals ONCE, to cook food ONCE, hand out school supplies ONCE, and have contributed NOTHING towards the COVID-19 epidemic. Shameful,” one netizen wrote on Twitter. “Omid, honest question: why does a couple who crave a private life can’t volunteer privately without the presence of a photograph?” Sarah Louaguef stated.
“Hard at work raising the profile for future earnings. Let’s be honest. The promotion of ‘charity work’ in the public eye can so easily cross a line into self-promotion. If the couple & reporters were less disingenuous about that it would be less irritating,” Sal Goodwin shared. “Oh, give us a break Omid. Do they ever do anything for anyone where there isn't a camera around? This is just them marketing their product (them) which I for one, am not buying,” another Twitter user said.
There were even those who praised Meghan Markle and Prince Harry for gracing the event, which took place outside Knox Elementary. Most families that lined up for the supplies were badly hit by the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s awesome that Harry & Meghan are continuing to show their support for Baby2Baby by volunteering their time. The Sussexes commitment to helping disadvantaged local communities is admirable. I'm glad they are able to help give back to appreciative charities in Meghan's hometown,” one netizen penned. “Love this. and so lovely that they were able to help a charity that they already had links too. They look so happy and relaxed,” Jenny Clements added.
Both Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have yet to comment on these remarks. Meanwhile, the photos were credited to Christian Monterrosa for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Baby2Baby Co-Presidents Kelly Sawyer Patricof and Norah Weinstein, in a statement released to Us Weekly, expressed their gratefulness to be onsite during the said event. The pair reiterated that the organization is committed to supporting the students throughout distance learning and even when they are back in their classrooms.