Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is expected to have a few speaking engagements during her tour of South Africa with husband Prince Harry this September. She was warned, however, that she must not preach to the people when she talks about her advocacies.
According to Daily Express, campaigners from South Africa welcome the Sussex royals' visit, but they also advised the duchess to temper her opinions, especially on women's issues. Though Duchess Meghan can bring attention to a very important cause because of her stature, what she might say can be taken with resentment if she would start preaching.
"It would be helpful for her to become involved, but it has to be done with care and sensitivity," Professor Amanda Gouws of Stellenbosch University stated. "One way to really upset South Africans is when the 'global north' comes to lecture us about what we are doing wrong and how much better it could be if we were more like them."
Duchess Meghan was also advised to conduct a consultation with women who have experienced struggles and hardships themselves. A private and personal approach would likely be more appreciated than to be told what to do in public.
Even before marrying Prince Harry, the duchess is known to support the plight for gender equality, particularly among sex workers. Her inputs to these causes will be valuable to South Africa, especially after her guest-editor stint in British Vogue, where she championed the empowerment of women.
The advice comes as Page Six reported that Duchess Meghan loves to call the shots. Some royal observers think that she's had a hand in the recent PR disasters against her and Prince Harry.
However, Duchess Meghan's manner of handling her public image, as well as her husband's image, has been described as "catastrophic." They were heavily criticized this summer for enjoying their perks as royals with frequent private jet trips amid Prince Harry's declaration that they want to reduce their carbon footprint.
Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry also left some long-time members of the media upset for making their son's baptism a private ceremony last July. A repeat of this incident could spark in South Africa as the Sussex royals have sent word that Archie should not be photographed during their trip.
Duncan Larcombe, an editor for The Sun, said that media in South Africa is "starting to gripe." The pressure has intensified for this upcoming tour.
Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry will visit South Africa and neighboring countries from Monday, Sept. 23, until Wednesday, Oct. 2.
