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Meghan and Harry branded 'tacky' for bringing personal photographer to LA charity event: 'Those two are a joke'

The couple handed out nappies, books and clothes to families in need as part of a charitable initiative by not-for-profit Baby2Baby

Meghan Markle and Harry it seems cannot do anything right these days. Even when they were seen handing out nappies, books and clothes to families in need as part of a charitable initiative by not-for-profit organisation Baby2Baby, royal fans criticized them for bringing along a photographer to document their activity. The act of kindness was marred by the fact that the photos taken of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were credited to a freelance photographer, who was working on behalf of the couple. The photos published on Baby2Baby's Instagram account as well as the ones handed to the press, were credited to 'Christian Monterrosa for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex'. 

"Baby2Baby was proud to host a drive-through distribution at Knox Elementary in South LA as students across the country return to distance learning this week. Thank you to The Duke and Duchess of Sussex for joining our team to help us distribute school supplies, clothing, hygiene items, food and more to children who need these basic essentials more than ever during this unprecedented back to school season," the caption to the Instagram post said. 

The event in question took place outside Knox Elementary in South Los Angeles, where the couple hand delivered the care packages to the families who drove through the venue. The families helped by the charitable drive were worst hit during the ongoing coronavirus lockdown, which has seen hundreds of thousands going without employment.

However, the couple's commitment to the cause was questioned by many on Twitter. "Baby2Baby is one of the the MOST celebrity heavy charities in LA. The work they do is amazing, but for moms in Hollywood, it’s the essential social event of the year. A savvy, but transparent move. Also, it’s tacky to openly bring your own photographer to a volunteer opportunity," one user wrote. 

Another social media user replied to the previous tweet, saying, "Right! They picked a very well funded and celebrity supported organization. They get a ton of benefits from being involved and it helps open doors for them in Hollywood." 

A third comment read: "Argh those two are a joke! HQ pics, private photographer... if that’s not PR, I don’t know what it is"

Nevertheless, a source reported that "everyone was in great spirits" despite the scorching heat, adding, "The kids were eager to receive their books and supplies and Meghan and Harry did what they do best – engage and connect with the crowd." 

As for the Sussexes' contibution, the source said, “[They were] determined to serve every last child waiting in a line that wrapped around the school”. The couple “chatted with the families about the upcoming school year and wished all of the kids good luck”, the insider added. Despite their faces covered in masks, the former royal couple appeared relaxed in the photos. To stay cool in the soaring temperatures, both of them chose to wear white, buttoned down shirts and shorts. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are familiar with Baby2Baby and have already expressed their appreciation of its work by including it among the four organisations they chose to help through donations to celebrate the birth of their son Archie.