Meghan Markle, the former Duchess of Sussex, was recently seen enjoying a day out in Beverly Hills following her return from a trip to Canada.
The paparazzi captured her grabbing lunch with friends at Cipriani Beverly Hills on Thursday.
This outing raised eyebrows as it contradicted her previous statement about prioritizing work over leisurely activities like lunch dates.
Despite her declaration of not wanting to be just a woman who lunches but one who works, Meghan seemed to relish her time away from her children after her extensive trip to Canada.
Sporting a chic ensemble featuring a black turtleneck, flowing black pants, a luxurious brown coat, and a brown suede clutch, she exuded confidence and style as she left the restaurant with a friend.
The lunch date came shortly after Meghan and Prince Harry concluded their visit to Canada for the official countdown to next year’s Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler.
However, speculations arose regarding Meghan’s behavior, with critics suggesting that she was trying to emulate a bygone era of celebrity culture by orchestrating paparazzi shots outside the restaurant.
Observers noted Meghan’s deliberate efforts to maintain visibility in the media, possibly in anticipation of a rumored move to Hollywood.
Despite the lack of diners entering or leaving the restaurant, Meghan’s staged exit with private bodyguards and paid photographers created an illusion of her being a sought-after A-list celebrity, drawing curious glances from onlookers.
Critics criticized Meghan’s ostentatious display, labeling it as a desperate attempt to stay relevant in the public eye.
Her calculated moves to position herself as the center of attention, even in a quiet street setting, were met with skepticism and disapproval from those who witnessed the scene unfold.
The contrast between Meghan’s staged paparazzi encounters and the subdued atmosphere of the restaurant’s surroundings did not go unnoticed.
While she posed for the cameras with a smile, the emptiness of the street highlighted the artificiality of the moment, leaving bystanders puzzled about the nature of her celebrity status.
Meghan’s actions prompted comparisons to outdated Hollywood tactics, with critics questioning her need for constant validation through orchestrated photo opportunities.
The incongruity of her extravagant appearance against the mundane backdrop of a Beverly Hills street underscored the disconnect between perception and reality in the world of celebrity culture.
As Meghan continues to navigate her post-royal life in the public eye, her choices and behaviors are subject to scrutiny and interpretation.
Whether her staged outings are strategic career moves or mere attempts to cling to fading stardom remains a topic of debate among observers and critics alike.