Meghan Markle Criticized After Brief Visit with Refugee Women: "She Left After 10 Minutes"
One might expect Meghan Markle to use an opportunity like this—a visit to a refugee kitchen—to spotlight the struggles of Afghan women, sharing their stories and shedding light on their resilience. Instead, critics argue it turned into a Meghan-centric moment. Instead of highlighting the experiences of these remarkable women, it appeared to be all about her.
Refugee women, frustrated by her behavior, alleged that Meghan spent just 10 minutes at the event. "She didn’t engage, didn’t cook, and barely interacted with anyone outside of the same three women she’s photographed with each year," one attendee shared. These three women, reportedly sponsored by the Archewell Foundation, were allegedly the only ones allowed close to the Duchess.
The brief appearance and limited engagement have sparked a wave of complaints. "She could’ve made this a meaningful moment—a cooking segment with the women for her Netflix project, perhaps. But no, she refused to cook, stayed long enough for pictures, and left," a source explained.
Thanksgiving offered a unique chance for Meghan to connect with the refugee women on a personal and cultural level. Some suggested that participating in the preparation of the meal would have been both symbolic and impactful. Instead, the Duchess reportedly showed up with her security team, posed for photos, and departed quickly.
Her choice of attire also drew criticism. Wearing sleeveless clothing with loose hair—a style perceived as culturally insensitive in the context of Afghan traditions—was seen as disrespectful. One refugee remarked, "She didn’t even stay for the meal. It was just photos, a quick hello to the same three women, and she was gone."
The women in the camp have expressed disappointment, feeling used for what they describe as a staged publicity stunt. "Nothing has changed for us since she started visiting. There’s been no real support, no initiatives that have improved our lives," one attendee shared.
The same three women featured in Meghan’s photos from last year were highlighted again, leading some to believe the event was carefully orchestrated. "It feels like we’re just here to prop up her image," another refugee explained. "She isn’t helping us. She’s exploiting our hardships for her own gain."
The backlash raises broader questions about Meghan’s intentions and approach. Critics argue that instead of taking the opportunity to amplify the voices of the refugee women or highlight their challenges, the visit seemed more focused on personal branding.
"Imagine if she had actually cooked with them," one observer noted. "It could’ve been a wonderful Thanksgiving segment for her Netflix series—showing genuine connection and cultural respect. Instead, she stayed just long enough for photos and then left."
As more refugees speak out, the incident has become a talking point about celebrity involvement in humanitarian work. Many argue that such appearances, if not paired with genuine engagement, can feel exploitative.
"The Duchess could have done so much more," one royal commentator said. "A simple gesture like listening to their stories or helping prepare the meal would have meant so much. But instead, it’s all about optics."
Despite the criticism, Meghan’s supporters argue that her presence still brought attention to the camp. However, for those directly affected, the impact seems minimal. As one refugee bluntly put it, "She didn’t bring food, she didn’t stay, and she didn’t help. What’s the point of her coming at all?"
