Meghan Markle‘s return to the United Kingdom six years after Prince Harry‘s royal split has been far from smooth, and the Duchess of Sussex is once again facing public backlash after an outing with Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai caught attention.
Markle stepped out for a lunch date with Malala on October 7 in the UK capital, but fans are alleging that the Suits actress is using the opportunity to rehabilitate her image and promote her lifestyle brand, As Ever.
Meghan Markle Faces Backlash for Promoting Her Brand With Malala Yousafzai
Markle returned to the UK with her husband, Harry, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in late August. Her October 7 outing with Malala marked her first official appearance in London.
The pair shared pictures from the outing in a joint Instagram post on October 10. They were seen enjoying afternoon tea in the Foyer & Reading Room at Claridge’s, one of Mayfair’s most famed hotels.
“This International Day of the Girl, in partnership with Archewell Philanthropies, 100% of net proceeds from As Ever jams and teas will support Malala Fund and its vital work to ensure that every girl has access to free, safe, quality education. Tea for Two has never felt so good,” part of the caption read before directing users to shop at asever.com.
That detail drew criticism from podcaster Nancy Sidley, who argued, “Meghan knows nobody in the States is going to buy her tea or spreads, so she’s using International Women’s Day to drive traffic to her website.”
“Gross, she’s using this to rehabilitate her dusty ass image, it’s not working, Malala, you’ve been Markled,” another user wrote.
“My respect for Malala has gone down!” another commenter wrote sarcastically.
While a source told PEOPLE, “It was a chance for a catch-up between friends,” Markle, 45, has faced public scrutiny since her return, with Gloucestershire Live reporting last month that staff members at The Three Horseshoes pub had refused to serve her.
Nevertheless, Markle’s connection with Malala is not new. She participated in a virtual conversation with the Pakistani Nobel laureate alongside Harry to celebrate the International Day of the Girl in 2020, and the pair have remained in touch since.
You May Also Like:
Add us as a preferred source on Google.