Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, was in Australia with Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, for a visit that has been described as a “faux royal trip” by critics
Meghan Markle has been mocked after encouraging fans to “call me Meg” during her tour of Australia.
Critics branded the move a performative attempt to appear relatable during a tour already described by some as a “faux royal trip.” The Duchess of Sussex, 44, made the three-word request as she and her husband, Prince Harry, 41, began a series of engagements across Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney last week.
They have undertaken charity and community visits, including a stop at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne and Meghan had a solo appearance at McAuley Community Services for Women, a shelter supporting homeless women and those affected by family violence.
But the request at these engagements for staff and fans to refer to the Duchess as “Meg” has been slammed. The backlash comes after thousands called for Harry and Meghan to stop carrying out “pseudo-royal tours”.
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One source familiar with public reaction said: “Encouraging people to basically ‘Call my Meg’ is being seen by critics as a carefully curated attempt to project approachability, but it is clashing with a long-established perception of her as a multi-millionaire figure with exacting, and well-known diva standards. For some, it comes across less as genuine warmth and more as a calculated rebrand that does not entirely ring true.”
Speaking to RadarOnline.com, the insider added: “This kind of informality feels staged, particularly given the level of privilege and expectation that surrounds her, and that disconnect is what people are reacting to so strongly.”
During her visit to McAuley Community Services, Meghan Markle was photographed wearing a striped apron as she served food to residents, earning praise from those in attendance. In a video clip, one resident, identified as Leah, complimented her appearance, saying, “You look like a model!” Markle responded warmly, “That’s so generous – you are so nice!” Staff at the shelter also welcomed the visit, highlighting the positive attention brought by the former Suits actress’s presence.
McAuley CEO Jocelyn Bignold said: “It’s very lovely to have attention on the whole issue of homelessness and family violence and she will bring that attention to this facility, so that’s good. The women are excited to see and meet her. They’re also a little bit nervous.”
Harry also engaged with young patients during his hospital visit, including greeting a child with red hair and responding enthusiastically. He said: “Yes!” One patient said the couple had offered encouragement during their meeting. They added Harry and Markle “wished me good luck on my journey” and told her to “keep being brave.”
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