It's worth noting that Meghan and Prince Harry resided in the UK when she first took on this role, but they have since moved to the United States. Despite the geographical distance, Meghan has continued to support SmartWorks through grants from the Archewell Foundation.
SmartWorks is an organization dedicated to providing interview training and clothing assistance to empower women to secure employment and reintegrate into the workforce. The charity has positively impacted thousands of women across the country and relies on a team of 300 trained volunteers. It operates from two offices in London and has centers in Edinburgh, Manchester, Reading, Birmingham, and Newcastle.
The controversy surrounding Meghan's alleged refusal to participate in the 10th-anniversary event stems from her prolonged absence from the UK. Critics question the extent of her contributions to SmartWorks during this time, primarily focusing on whether she has made any tax-deductible direct monetary donations to the charity.
According to undisclosed sources, Meghan was repeatedly invited to join the significant celebration for SmartWorks but declined, citing her reluctance to return to the UK in person, where she may face potential backlash from the British public and media. Some argue that her association with Prince Harry affords her a level of protection from criticism that she wouldn't have as a solo public figure.
The leaked information further suggests that Meghan requested a substantial convoy with multiple bodyguards to shield her from any potential booing or negative reactions from the British people. Additionally, she allegedly demanded that a red carpet be used throughout the event, which some argue may have been excessive for the occasion's scale.
Critics believe that Meghan's reluctance to participate stems from her desire to avoid negative press coverage and potential public backlash. They argue that her actions have led to increased scrutiny and frustration among the British public. Some even suggest that the charity should consider having other members of the royal family, like Beatrice or Eugenie, take over as patrons, given Meghan's apparent disinterest.
In response to the controversy, Meghan's PR agency released a statement in which she congratulated SmartWorks on its 10th anniversary. However, some have noted that even in this message, Meghan seemed to focus on herself, mentioning her previous statements and her role as a patron. Critics argue that this message may be an attempt to manage her public image and divert attention from recent controversies, such as her involvement in a New York school and the NBA incident.
This situation has brought into question Meghan's ongoing involvement with SmartWorks and the implications of her role as a patron. It remains to be seen how this controversy will impact her relationship with the charity and her public perception.
