Meghan Markle has been criticized for her actions during the trophy presentation ceremony of a polo match, where a woman, presumably a participant in the match, joined Prince Harry on stage to celebrate his team’s victory. Markle repositioned the woman beside her instead of Harry, which has sparked controversy.
During the prize ceremony for the 2024 Royal Salute Polo Challenge to benefit Sentebale in Wellington, Florida, on April 12, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, was seen looking up at her husband, Britain’s Prince Harry. Prince Harry is the co-founding patron of the Sentebale charity (AP Photo / Rebecca Blackwell).
A video from the polo match on April 12, which took place at the Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington, Florida, has garnered attention online, leading to scrutiny of Meghan Markle. The event, which supported the Duke’s Sentebale charity, attracted around 300 attendees.
The Duchess attended the charity game alongside Prince Harry, dressed in an all-white ensemble. However, a particular moment captured in a viral video has stirred controversy. In the footage, Markle appears to awkwardly suggest that a woman should not pose alongside Prince Harry, redirecting her to stand beside Markle instead.
The incident occurred during the trophy presentation ceremony, where a woman, presumably a participant in the polo match, joined Prince Harry on stage to celebrate his team’s victory. However, Markle’s gesture to reposition the woman beside her instead of Harry sparked criticism online.
Netizens Criticize Meghan Markle for “Rudeness”
Comments on social media platforms, including X (formerly known as Twitter), expressed disapproval of Markle’s actions, with some labeling her as ‘rude’ and ‘insecure.’
One user wrote, “She awkwardly refused to let the woman pose with Harry. So rude.” Others chimed in with comments like, “She’s so rude to those other women it’s unbelievable.”
Another speculated, “She seems insecure regarding her husband. That’s why she keeps clinging to him, and any woman who stands beside him is told to stand beside her.”
Other commenters remarked on Markle’s behavior, expressing reactions ranging from outrage: “Oh my god, did she just push that woman away?” to embarrassment: “She’s so rude. CRINGE.” and “I am embarrassed for her. So many missed opportunities to be gracious.”
Some users took the opportunity for humor. One wrote, “This will make the cut for a new meme!” and another commented, “Very insecure woman. I can’t believe she behaved this way in front of millions (the camera).”
Others recalled a “similar” instance from a previous polo match ceremony.
The royal family, its fans, and commenters have long been accused of alleged racism against Markle due to her mixed heritage and being a foreigner. Since her marriage to Harry, Markle has been subject to intense scrutiny, comparisons to Kate Middleton, and micro-analysis of every behavior, which both she and her husband have called out as racist.
Earlier in 2021, explaining the couple’s dramatic exit from royal life, Meghan said she was denied help during her mental health crisis, was targeted by lies, and that there was official concern about the skin color of her then-unborn son Archie.
Prince Harry to Return to the UK in May
Meanwhile, Prince Harry is expected to travel to the UK in May for the Invictus Games, which he launched for wounded, injured, and sick service people. It is possible that he would pay a visit to his ailing father, King Charles, who is battling cancer, during his trip. However, it is unsure if Markle and their children will follow him.
In other news, the royal couple has secured arrangements with Netflix to feature in two new web shows based on their passions, which might include themes like cooking, gardening, and polo.