The controversy centers on a selfie she reportedly shared shortly before the opening of the 79th World Health Assembly (May 18–23). In the image, Meghan is seen smiling while her daughter, Lilibet, is nearby as she tries on outfits. The post drew sharp reactions from journalist Tom Sykes, European Editor at Large, who questioned both the timing and the message behind it.
In his commentary for the Daily Beast, Sykes argued that the post appeared poorly judged given the proximity to an important global health event. He also pointed out what he described as a contradiction: Meghan preparing to engage in discussions about public health and the impact of social media on children, while simultaneously sharing personal family imagery involving her own young daughter online.
He further suggested that the image reflected excess and self-presentation, estimating the value of her wardrobe shown in the post at around $250,000. In his view, the display came across as both “boastful” and overly self-focused. He also labeled the timing of the post as “staggeringly tone-deaf,” especially considering the World Health Organization’s focus on global health issues such as disease prevention and poverty reduction.
Beyond the immediate controversy, the broader context of Meghan and Prince Harry’s post-royal life continues to attract attention. Since stepping back from royal duties, the couple has undergone a significant transition, relocating between Canada and the United States during the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic before settling in California.
Their final royal engagements included appearances at the Endeavour Fund Awards and the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey. Following a formal review period, it was later confirmed that they would not return to royal duties, leading to the loss of Prince Harry’s honorary military roles and royal patronages.
In the years that followed, the couple participated in high-profile media projects, including interviews with Oprah Winfrey, BBC, CBS, and a Netflix docuseries. While their Netflix partnership has continued in some form, their Spotify deal ended prematurely amid reported disagreements.
Prince Harry also released his memoir Spare in 2023, which included personal revelations about royal family tensions and key events such as the Sandringham Summit. Meanwhile, the couple expanded their family with the birth of Princess Lilibet Diana in 2021, following Meghan’s earlier public disclosure of a miscarriage in an essay for The New York Times.
Since leaving the UK, their appearances have been limited but notable, including visits for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, her funeral, and King Charles III’s Coronation. Their children were later granted prince and princess titles, and Prince Harry has recently had limited contact with members of the royal family.
Overall, while the Sussexes have continued building a life outside the royal framework, public and media scrutiny around their actions and choices remains consistent, often reigniting debate over their role and reputation in the post-royal era.
