Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made their first public appearance following her father’s arrest on Tuesday, November 10th, as they attended an event at the European Parliament in Brussels. The couple were there for the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial’s Brussels installation, which honors children who have died following online harm.
Meghan’s estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., 82, was arrested in Florida by the FBI and charged with possession of child sexual abuse material. He was initially released under electronic monitoring, but was taken back into custody on November 10th after removing his ankle monitor. He has denied the allegations.
The couple looked solemn and put on a united front as they held hands tightly while arriving at the Paul-Henri Spaak building for the event. But some social media users weren’t convinced by the display, with several accusing the couple of being “fake” and “performative,” and also accusing Meghan of “playing the victim.”
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Meghan Markle Reportedly Didn't Feel 'Strong Enough' To Speak Publicly
For the occasion, Meghan wore an elegant all-black ensemble consisting of a belted, double-breasted Mackage coat, tailored black trousers, and pointed-toe heels. She accessorized with vintage Dior statement earrings, a Cartier Love bracelet, and a red poppy in honor of Remembrance Day, while wearing her hair in her signature sleek low bun. Harry, meanwhile, looked smart in a navy suit, white shirt and patterned tie, also accessorizing with a red poppy.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were reportedly due to make a joint keynote address calling for greater protection for children online at the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial, which honors children who have died following online bullying.
However, Meghan reportedly pulled out because she did not feel "strong enough" to speak publicly, leaving her husband to deliver the address solo. "She's just not strong enough, emotionally, to be doing any public speaking right now," an insider said, according to The Telegraph.
Prince Harry Delivers Solo Speech At European Parliament After Meghan Markle Pulls Out
"I'm not here as an expert or a politician. I'm here as a father. My wife, as a mother," he told the European Parliament. He went on to stress that children should be able to enjoy the benefits of the internet without being exposed to danger, adding: "They deserve to feel safe wherever they are."
The father-of-two also criticized technology companies for failing to prioritize children's safety, arguing that preventing harm should be more important than waiting for tragedies to happen before taking action.
Following his speech, the duke also took part in a panel discussion, where he described the addictive nature of social media as "brainwashing on an extraordinary scale."
He said everyone had a responsibility to protect children from companies that "clearly don't care," adding that a "handful of very powerful people" wanted to see a social media world characterized by "lawlessness, little consequence, complete chaos (and) division."
Meghan Markle Previously Issued Statement About Allegations Against Her Father
The With Love, Meghan star hasn't spoken publicly about her father's arrest, although she issued a statement in October after allegations emerged that her half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., had discovered suspected child sexual abuse material among their father's belongings in the Philippines and alerted authorities.
In her statement, the As Ever founder said she was "deeply distressed" by the allegations and expressed concern for any children who may have been harmed. The statement read: "In 2018, a letter was sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection. That letter was subsequently shared with me. It made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father and I was given assurances that these were being investigated."
"I hope it can now be understood that, despite certain media publications' distortion over the years, any distance from my father and my choice to not allow him to have contact with our children, was for one reason: to protect them," the statement added.
Social Media Users Slam Meghan Markle And Prince Harry As 'Performative'
Social media users were quick to criticize the couple, with several suggesting that Meghan's decision not to deliver the address was attention-seeking and performative…
"Performative as usual," slammed one critic on X. "She is so phony and fake! It's all a performance for her. Major eye roll!" exclaimed a second. "She's acting. It is so clear. I'm just so distraught. I can barely function. I can't think straight, but I'm gonna make sure I walk into this room with this expression on my face and I'm gonna make sure all the cameras are on me even though it's about the little children," commented a third.
"What a [expletive] actress. Had her eye lashes done, her hair straightened, a black manicure, new black coat… just put a witch hat on her! Acting like a doe eyed victim! Does she think we are stupid?" asked a fourth, as a fifth echoed: "Such a great actress, putting on the broken, hurt, emotional damage demeanour. The black clothes. You could not beat this for sheer performance."
"Meg Markle, cosplaying a timid, shy little girl, who is so innocent and worried. Where is the boss girl hair ripped back, strong makeup in high heels strutting in front of Harry girl? Predictable," wrote a sixth.
"It was all a publicity stunt saying she wasn't going to speak as she's had more attention saying she wasn't strong enough but she was able for the cameras and smiling for the photo opportunities. So manipulative," claimed a seventh. "She always holds his hand tightly. He looked absolutely exhausted," observed an eighth.
Prince Harry also came under fire, with a ninth critic writing: "Harry is the biggest grief grifter in the world. Grow up! You can't keep dining on your mother to give you relevance. You've sold out your family, your mom and yourself. It's disgusting."
"Harry is trying to run a parallel monarchy to William. He looks like a total fool. No one there is happy to see them. Meghan should be in a padded room somewhere," criticized a tenth.
