MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

'Shows what she thinks of the Royal Family': Meghan Markle accused of mocking Queen in 2021 birthday video

The two-minute clip that launched Meghan’s 40x40 initiative has now been labeled as a 'publicity stunt'

Meghan Markle celebrated her birthday on August 4 and received birthday wishes from members of the Royal Family. Meghan and Prince Harry were in the UK for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, where it was reported the couple “barely had 15 minutes” with the Queen.

Now, the Duchess of Sussex is receiving criticism for a video she posted with actress and comedian Melissa McCarthy for her last birthday. The two-minute-long clip was shared on archewell.com to launch Meghan’s 40x40 initiative, which aims to help women who are returning to the workplace by asking mentors to give 40 minutes of their time. However, the video has now been labeled as a "publicity stunt" by royal experts.

RELATED STORIES

A ROYAL OLIVE BRANCH? Queen invites Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and kids to Balmoral

Meghan Markle would have to make IMMENSE SACRIFICES to run for US president, says expert

Initially in the video, Mellisa is seen wearing a silk gown, but then changes into the formal outfit of a Royal Wedding guest. Melissa then sips tea from a bone china cup and saucer, and Meghan joins in sipping tea from a small cup.

However, royal expert Angela Levin labeled the video a “publicity stunt” and criticized Meghan for “mocking” the monarch. She also slammed Melissa's choice of outfit.

Angela wrote on Twitter, "Anyone else think that Meghan and her friend Melissa McCartney [sic] were mocking the Queen in the birthday video? Both holding old fashioned cup and saucer like Meg used in her blog after 1st meeting with Queen. Melissa sipping from the cup wearing fancy hat and gloves?”

Angela continued, “​​The mockery shows what she thinks of the Royal Family," and added, “She's got what she wanted and is confident she can outsmart us all.”

Meanwhile, Prince William and his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge posted birthday wishes for Meghan on their joint Twitter account. They wrote, "Wishing a happy birthday to The Duchess of Sussex!"

Prince Charles and his wife Princess Camilla also wished Meghan, writing, "Happy birthday to The Duchess of Sussex!"

Meghan's 40x40 video received flak from another corner as well. Hannah Martin from the Talented Ladies Club claimed the initiative was a "publicity stunt". Speaking to MailOnline, Hannah said, "I'm sad to say that this also feels a little like a publicity stunt to me. On the face of it it's a great gesture, but beyond galvanising 40 of her friends to offer their time, there's no structure or advice for how anyone can actually participate."

Hannah added, "If Meghan is genuinely passionate about helping two million women back to work, it would be good to see more insights shared on what specific problems these women face, and proposed, concrete solutions that are followed through with on-the-ground action from the right people."

A year since Meghan launched the initiative, no further updates have been announced.