This controversy revolves around the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's visit to 123 New York City public schools in 2021, which was featured in a Netflix series. During their visit, Harry and Meghan donated two boxes filled with vegetables and herbs for the school garden. However, some parents raised concerns that the produce was nearly unusable due to damage. Meghan's team explained that transportation issues caused the damage, but this explanation left some parents skeptical, considering the proximity of fresh produce to the school.
During the visit, Meghan, wearing an outfit worth tens of thousands of dollars, sat reading books to a group of students on a bench. However, reports surfaced that school authorities were instructed not to share any negative comments about the visit on social media, both at the time and in the future.
The controversy escalated when some parents claimed that Meghan had asked children to donate $5, leading them to believe it was for charity. However, it later came to light that the money was used for the couple's own charity, sparking accusations of exploitation from concerned parents. One parent, Natasha Jackson, expressed her displeasure with the situation.
Further raising eyebrows, it was revealed that Meghan's representatives had contacted the Ministry of Education to request the inclusion of a gag clause in communications related to the school visit. This clause aimed to prevent anyone from making negative comments about the visit. Additionally, Meghan's team requested that the press release about the visit not mention Meghan's book to downplay its promotional aspect.
To add to the scrutiny, the couple's team banned four British newspapers from attending the event at the World Trade Center. These revelations have cast a shadow over the actions of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, particularly in their interactions with the public, schools, and philanthropic initiatives.
Danela Elser, a royal commentator, highlighted various aspects of the situation in her article for news.com.au. She pointed out that even now, the couple remains in a position of significance within the royal family. They continue to prioritize family time and uphold traditions, much like other members of the royal family who enjoy vacations. She also warned against complacency, emphasizing that this should not lead to a relaxation of vigilance.
In summary, Meghan Markle's involvement in this investigation has brought attention to her actions regarding the school visit, charitable efforts, and interactions with the media, raising important questions about transparency and ethics.
