Reports suggest that the Sussexes leveraged their connections with former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, close friends of the Carters, to secure a last-minute invitation. Although the Obamas were also in attendance, accommodating Harry and Meghan's request was not without controversy, as it threatened to overshadow the solemn occasion. Sources have hinted at potential ulterior motives behind Harry and Meghan's presence, speculating that they saw this as an opportunity to enhance their public image and promote their upcoming projects on Netflix and Spotify. The couple, who have faced allegations of capitalizing on their royal status for financial gain, have been actively working on documentaries, podcasts, and TV shows, with some slated for release in early 2024.
Reactions to Harry and Meghan's appearance at the service have been mixed, both among attendees and in the media. Some praised their presence as a sign of respect for Mrs. Carter, a champion of mental health and humanitarian causes, with whom they had crossed paths during their visit to Georgia in 2019. Conversely, others criticized them for what they perceived as disrespect, opportunism, and attention-seeking behavior, arguing that their presence overshadowed the legacy of the former first lady and her family.
Notably, Piers Morgan, the former host of Good Morning Britain and a longstanding critic of the Sussexes, took to Twitter to condemn their attendance as a "shameless stunt." He labeled them the "most selfish, narcissistic, and hypocritical couple in the world" and accused them of hypocrisy regarding their environmental concerns, given their use of a private jet that emits more carbon dioxide than a commercial flight. Morgan's tweet sparked a heated debate on social media, with both supporters and detractors voicing their opinions.
Mrs. Carter was laid to rest on Wednesday, November 29th, 2023, at a private service held at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, where she and her husband had been long-time members. She now rests beside her husband at their family residence, where they had lived since departing the White House in 1981. Mrs. Carter is survived by their four children, 12 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren, leaving a lasting legacy in American history.
