Meghan Markle, who married Prince Harry in 2018, made a significant impact when she joined the royal family, quickly gaining a loyal following. However, an early "mistake" marked the beginning of her "downfall."
The Duchess of Sussex's decision in 2019 did not sit well with many, according to an expert.
Meghan's visit to sex workers, during which she wrote messages on bananas with notes like "be strong" and "you are loved," was labeled "offensive" by some. Royal commentator Liz Jones has criticized the gesture as "tone deaf."
"It was Bananagate, when Meghan, still a working royal, visited them in Bristol, scribbling positive mantras on fruit," she said.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Jones continued, "'Was she signing her autograph?' I wondered. 'Would she get ink on the £1,500 Oscar de la Renta?' No, Meghan. These women are not 'loved'; they are not 'special.'"
The expert added, "I'd have more respect if, after renovating that 'cottage' in Windsor, she opened its doors as a refuge instead. That would show these women they are loved. That would prove they're special."
Meghan reportedly decided to write the messages after meeting with someone at a charity helping sex workers get off the streets. As food bags were being prepared, the Duchess said, "Do you have a Sharpie? I have an idea. I saw this project a woman started in the States as part of a school lunch program.
"On each of the bananas, she wrote an affirmation to make the kids feel empowered. It was an incredible idea - a small gesture."
However, one worker criticized the idea as "really stupid." Speaking to The Sun, she said, "People out here struggle to eat and sleep, and she gifts us some words on a piece of fruit. She has the means to help us more than that. It's offensive."
Several royal commentators have advised Meghan and Harry to avoid offending the royal family to thrive and be successful.
