Once again, Meghan Markle finds herself at the center of controversy, this time for her appearance at the scene of the devastating LA wildfires. Accompanied by Prince Harry and the mayor of Pasadena, Meghan was photographed offering what appeared to be compassion and support to those affected.
At first glance, this might seem like a heartfelt gesture, but critics quickly pointed out striking similarities to an earlier moment involving Spain’s Queen Letizia. Back in 2024, when Spain was struck by catastrophic floods, Queen Letizia and King Felipe visited devastated communities, offering comfort and solidarity. Their presence wasn’t just for show; they were there as leaders, genuinely engaging with victims during a time of immense need.
Queen Letizia’s visit during Spain’s floods was widely praised. She and King Felipe hugged victims, listened to their stories, and demonstrated genuine empathy. It was an act of public service, not a publicity stunt. Their appearance highlighted the government’s failures and served as a political statement that real change was needed.
In stark contrast, Meghan and Harry’s wildfire visit has been criticized as little more than a photo opportunity. While Letizia was photographed in the midst of mud and chaos, Meghan and Harry appeared staged and polished, arms wide open for the cameras. Critics have dubbed it a desperate attempt to reclaim the royal spotlight they left behind.
The heart of the criticism lies in the difference between duty and performance. Queen Letizia didn’t need a sponsorship deal or a media strategy to show up for her people—it was simply part of her role as a royal. Meghan, however, has been accused of trying to borrow from Letizia’s playbook in a bid to stay relevant in the public eye.
Observers noted the lack of authenticity in Meghan’s interactions. While Letizia was fully immersed in the struggles of those affected, even getting covered in mud by frustrated citizens, Meghan’s carefully composed poses seemed more about optics than genuine care.
Critics argue that Meghan and Harry’s repeated appearances at such events feel more performative than impactful. As royals, Queen Letizia and King Felipe have the authority and resources to bring real change to the communities they visit. Meghan and Harry, on the other hand, lack the same influence and are often seen as “tourists” in these situations.
Their attempts to maintain a public profile have also raised questions about their understanding of what it truly means to be royal. While institutions like the Spanish monarchy focus on serving their people, Meghan and Harry’s appearances often seem tailored to their personal brand rather than any tangible outcomes.
Ultimately, Meghan Markle is facing a harsh comparison to Queen Letizia, and it’s not working in her favor. The contrast between Letizia’s genuine, impactful actions and Meghan’s perceived “trauma tourism” underscores the divide between the responsibilities of a royal and the optics of a celebrity.
While Queen Letizia and King Felipe continue to set an example of what true leadership looks like, Meghan and Harry’s attempts to hold onto their relevance through staged photo ops leave many unconvinced.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Meghan Markle may want to reconsider her approach if she hopes to garner the same respect and admiration as royals like Queen Letizia.
