During their visit, Harry and Meghan donated two garden boxes filled with vegetables and herbs to the school. However, some parents claimed that the produce was mostly unusable as it had arrived in a rotten condition. Meghan's camp explained that this was due to shipping issues, but some found this explanation dubious, given the proximity of fresh produce sources near the school.
During the visit, Meghan, dressed in an outfit worth tens of thousands of dollars, read from her children's book, "The Bench," to a group of students. However, it was reported that the school authorities were instructed not to share any negative comments about the visit on social media, both at the time and in the future.
Further controversy arose when some parents alleged that Meghan had asked the children for a $5 donation, which they believed was for a charitable cause. However, it was later revealed that the money was intended for the couple's own charity foundation. This raised accusations of exploitation from concerned parents, with one parent, Natasha Jackson, expressing her displeasure at the situation.
The situation escalated when it was revealed that Meghan's representatives had contacted the Department of Education, requesting the inclusion of a gagging clause in appearance releases related to the school visit. This clause would prevent anyone from making negative comments about the visit. Additionally, Meghan's team reportedly requested that a press release about the visit not mention Meghan's book to make it seem less promotional.
Emails from New York City Schools Press Secretary Daniela Philson were allegedly sent to the Department of Education, inquiring about the best way to implement the gagging clause and indicating a desire to get it approved by lawyers. The emails also suggested a reluctance to promote Meghan's book too overtly.
Furthermore, the couple's team banned four British newspapers from an event at the World Trade Center. This revelation has added another layer of scrutiny to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's actions, particularly regarding their interactions with the public in schools and their charity initiatives.
Meghan Markle is now facing accusations of making significant missteps with her philanthropic endeavors. Royal commentator Danielle Elser expressed these sentiments in her piece for ne.news.com.au. She noted that even as the couple awaits their royal roles, they continue to immerse themselves in their children's lives, taking breaks from work to spend quality time together.
She pointed out that the royal family has a tradition of enjoying holidays, and she also highlighted Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie's vacation escapades. However, she concluded with a warning, admitting that the Portuguese breather (vacation) might not have been such a good idea after all.
