In a recent revelation, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have come under scrutiny for imposing a gag order on students and staff during their 2021 visit to Public School 123 in Harlem, NY. The visit, which was intended to promote Meghan's children's book, "The Bench," has been criticized by some as a mere PR campaign, while others have defended the royal couple's intentions.
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been the subject of commentary following the disclosure of the gag order. Journalist Jan Moir remarked, "The head of the CIA could slip into the Kremlin with fewer confidentiality clauses." The visit to the Harlem school took place in September 2021, and according to reports, both students and employees were required to sign a confidentiality clause upon meeting the couple. Moir posed the question, "Who do Harry and Meghan think they are? And what is it about the prospect of openness and transparency they fear so terribly?"
The visit was organized around the time Meghan's children's book was gaining media attention. Critics argue that the Duchess used the school visit as a promotional tool, reading excerpts from her book to a select group of students. The event was described by some as a "promotional exercise to plug 'The Bench.'" Emails from the couple's foundation, Archewell, to the school outlined the media presence for the event, emphasizing it as a charity event rather than a promotional one.
However, the "forever gag order" that the Sussexes reportedly demanded has recently come to light. This directive was intended to prevent any negative comments about the couple before, during, and after the visit. Despite the gag order, many at the school expressed their excitement and gratitude for the royal visit. James Reynolds, an art instructor at Public School 123, shared, "Being able to meet her was like a chance of a lifetime. Everyone was really excited. It was a secret from everyone."
While some view the Sussexes' visit as a genuine gesture, others see it as a calculated PR move. Comparing the visit to typical royal engagements, Jan Moir stated, "This is the kind of humdrum event the royal family in the U.K. takes part in any day of the week." She emphasized that such visits by the British royal family are usually associated with charity work or local initiatives, not personal promotions.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have faced their share of criticism over the years. This recent controversy adds to the list of instances where their actions have been questioned by the public and media alike.
