Meghan Markle Criticized for 'Self-Focused' Appearance at TIME100 Event
Meghan Markle’s TIME100 Summit appearance sparks backlash as royal expert Hugo Vickers calls her comments "inappropriate" and self-centered. Find out why her speech didn’t sit well with critics.
Meghan Markle Under Fire for TIME100 Summit Remarks
Meghan Markle’s recent public appearance in New York City at the TIME100 Summit has sparked fresh controversy. While she was invited to speak about her ventures, royal expert Hugo Vickers believes the Duchess of Sussex shifted the focus away from the event’s core message — and placed it squarely on herself.
TIME100 Spotlight: From Brands to Backlash
Appearing confident and polished, Meghan Markle took the stage to discuss her brand, business ventures, and life post-royalty. However, her statements — centered around her personal happiness, her children, and her Netflix projects — have drawn criticism for lacking awareness of the broader context of the event.
Royal Expert Reacts: “It Was All About Meghan”
In an interview with The Sun, royal commentator Hugo Vickers didn’t hold back in his critique:
“It did seem to me very much off-message — and, entirely as usual, focused on her and what she was doing,” he said.“She professes to be extremely happy. Well, I’m delighted to hear that, because I’m not sure how happy she’s made other people over the last few years.”
Vickers emphasized that Meghan’s tone and content felt inappropriate for the occasion, particularly given her rocky past with the royal family and her highly publicized exit alongside Prince Harry.
Promoting Netflix and Personal Wins at a Professional Platform?
Vickers continued to highlight concerns about Meghan’s use of the TIME100 platform to promote her personal projects:
“To use an occasion like that to promote your own Netflix show, and to profess that all is well in the world, and that you’re happy — and your children are happy — does seem to me, to some extent, rather inappropriate.”
His remarks reflect growing criticism from some royal watchers and experts who believe Meghan is increasingly using public platforms for brand-building over broader purpose.
Public Reaction: Divided Opinions on Meghan’s Messaging
While some praised Meghan’s confident delivery and emphasis on mental well-being and personal growth, others argue that the session lacked depth and humility, especially given the gravity of global issues the summit is meant to highlight.
The backlash raises a familiar debate: Is Meghan simply being authentic and entrepreneurial, or is she misusing platforms meant for collective purpose to boost her personal image?
Final Take: Was Meghan’s Message Misaligned with the Moment?
As Meghan Markle continues to carve out her post-royal identity in media and philanthropy, public appearances like the TIME100 Summit serve as both opportunities and challenges. Whether her messaging was empowering or misplaced, one thing is clear — her words continue to spark conversation worldwide.
----
Meghan Markle TIME100 criticism, Meghan Markle inappropriate speech, TIME100 Summit 2025, Hugo Vickers Meghan Markle, Meghan Markle Netflix promotion, Meghan Markle self-focused, royal expert slams Meghan, Meghan Markle NYC event, TIME100 backlash, Meghan Markle public image