During a recent trip to Colombia, Meghan Markle has once again found herself at the center of controversy. The Duchess of Sussex, who famously mocked the British royal tradition of curtsying during her Netflix docuseries, is now being criticized for reportedly teaching Colombian children to perform the very gesture she once derided. The incident has sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing Meghan of hypocrisy and questioning the sincerity of her actions.
The controversy stems from Meghan's 2022 Netflix docuseries, where she recounted her first meeting with Queen Elizabeth II. In a moment that drew both laughter and criticism, Meghan demonstrated an exaggerated and dramatic curtsy, seemingly poking fun at the tradition. "We were in the car, driving and he's like, 'You know how to curtsy, right?' And I just thought it was a joke," Meghan recalled, likening the experience to a scene from Medieval Times. The scene, which was meant to be lighthearted, was seen by some as disrespectful to the late Queen and the traditions of the British monarchy.
Fast forward to Meghan and Prince Harry's unofficial visit to Colombia, where the Duchess was seen interacting with local children. According to reports, Meghan was teaching the children how to curtsy to her, a gesture that immediately raised eyebrows given her previous comments. Royal expert Angela Levin, speaking on GB News, highlighted the contradiction: "Meghan was teaching little girls there to do curtsies to her because she is a Princess. Little kids were trying to learn how to curtsy."
Levin's comments were echoed by GB News co-host Nana Akua, who expressed her surprise at the situation. "So, they don't want to be royal, but they want to be treated royal," Akua remarked, pointing out the apparent inconsistency in Meghan and Harry's actions. The couple, who stepped back from their roles as senior royals in 2020, have often criticized the strict protocols and public scrutiny that come with royal duties. Yet, as Levin observed, they seem to be embracing the trappings of royalty during their travels as private citizens.
"What is really extraordinary is of all the things they hated doing, they are now doing, and they're doing it with a smile, and they want to do it better than anyone else," Levin added. Her comments reflect a growing sentiment among critics who view the Sussexes' actions as insincere and self-serving.
Social media platforms were quick to react to the news, with users accusing Meghan of engaging in "royal cosplay." One user tweeted, "Part of the royal cosplay - locals dance in costume, children curtsy. Ridiculous. I agree with Levin on that, it's very hypocritical." Another critic pointed out the irony, saying, "She thinks she is above the [royal family] and wants to display it for the world, such a joke!!"
The backlash has raised questions about Meghan and Harry's motivations during their visit to Colombia. The couple has stated that their trip was intended to raise awareness about online bullying and its impact on children, a cause they have championed through their Archewell Foundation. However, some observers, including The Sun's Matt Wilkinson, have expressed skepticism about the clarity of their mission. "What they are doing is representing Archewell, but the confusing thing is, we don't really know what Archewell or Harry and Meghan stand for," Wilkinson commented.
The controversy over the curtsy incident is just the latest in a series of public relations challenges for the Sussexes. Since stepping back from their royal roles, Meghan and Harry have sought to redefine their public personas, focusing on philanthropy and social issues. However, their actions have often been met with criticism, particularly when they appear to contradict their previous statements or positions.
