In a surprising turn of events during their unofficial royal tour of Colombia, Meghan Markle found herself at the center of a diplomatic stir.
As she and Prince Harry stepped off their private jet, the atmosphere quickly shifted from excitement to tension when Meghan confronted Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Mórquez, over a perceived slight regarding her title.
Witnesses captured the moment on video, revealing Meghan gesticulating animatedly while addressing Mórquez, who had extended a warm welcome complete with traditional Colombian bread.
The Vice President’s failure to refer to Meghan as “Your Grace” or “Duchess” seemed to ignite Meghan’s frustration, leading to an intense exchange that left Mórquez visibly uncomfortable.
A source close to the situation shared that Meghan interpreted the Vice President’s oversight as a deliberate snub, viewing it as a significant breach of protocol.
This incident has since triggered a wave of backlash, with many questioning Meghan’s behavior and her insistence on royal titles despite her and Harry’s decision to step back from royal duties in 2020.
Royal commentator Ingrid Seward did not hold back, describing Meghan’s actions as emblematic of a sense of entitlement that has distanced her from the public, including some of her supporters.
“She appears to crave recognition and deference, even when it’s not appropriate,” Seward remarked, highlighting a growing sentiment that Meghan’s demands for respect may be excessive.
Conversely, some defenders of Meghan argue that she was merely upholding the respect typically afforded to a member of the royal family.
They suggest that Mórquez’s failure to acknowledge Meghan properly was a calculated insult, aimed at undermining the couple’s stature.
One supporter emphasized, “Meghan is a Duchess and deserves to be treated as such, no matter her current royal status.”
The incident has reignited discussions about the Sussexes’ use of their royal titles.
Critics argue that if Harry and Meghan are unwilling to adhere to the traditional protocols associated with their titles, they should relinquish them altogether.
Royal expert Tom Quinn voiced this concern, stating, “They want the prestige of being royals but shy away from the responsibilities that come with it.
That’s not how it works.”
As the Sussexes continue their tour, the fallout from Meghan’s confrontation looms large.
Questions linger about their motivations and their ability to navigate the complex world of diplomacy.
Some observers have raised concerns that this incident could undermine the couple’s mission, which centers on promoting online safety for children and supporting local activists.
Royal author Anna Pasternak pointed out that such behavior runs counter to the image the couple should project during a diplomatic visit.
“It diminishes their credibility and complicates their efforts as advocates for significant causes,” she noted, suggesting that Meghan’s actions could overshadow the positive impact they hope to achieve.
This latest controversy has thrust the Sussexes back into the media spotlight, capturing the attention of the world as they attempt to balance their royal heritage with their current endeavors.
As they navigate these treacherous waters, all eyes will be on how they manage the delicate dynamics of royal diplomacy and public perception.
With the incident fresh in the minds of both supporters and critics, the question remains: can Meghan and Harry effectively promote their causes while also addressing the expectations tied to their royal identities?