5 times Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, was mocked for being unique

Former actress and now Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, seems to be one of controversy's favourite children. Even after leaving the UK Royal family, Meghan Markle has rarely faded into the background. From the moment she entered the British royal family, her style, tone, and choices have stood out in a centuries‑old institution built on tradition. While some see her as fresh and relatable, others find her distinct approach amusing and have mocked her. Whether it’s her entrepreneurial journey or a motivational phrase, Meghan has often being criticised for not quite fitting in. Here we list some such incidents:

When Meghan launched her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, she introduced it with a video featuring her “As Ever” raspberry spread. The aesthetic—relaxed, beige‑toned, and gently curated— was dismissed by many online commenters as “tacky,” “lazy,” and “a dumb aesthetic.” Some compared the visuals to a low‑quality Pinterest post, suggesting that the effort didn’t match the status of a duchess. The criticism felt less about the product itself and more about tone and perception: Meghan’s desire to present something soft, personal, and low‑key clashed with the public’s expectation of royal grandeur or polished branding. Yet, others saw the project as a quiet, human attempt to build a non‑royal identity, one that honors her American roots and her need to define herself outside the palace script.

In a widely shared anecdote, Meghan described teaching her son Archie the “power of yet”—a growth‑mindset phrase meaning “I can’t do this, yet.” The story, told during a discussion about parenting, became a viral moment when Archie struggled to zip his jacket, only for Meghan to later reveal the zipper was broken. On social media, the moment was heavily mocked as “cringe,” “artificial,” and even “scripted.” People criticised her for being overly performative, simplifying complex parenting or even turning ordinary moments into self‑help content.

In the Harry & Meghan Netflix docuseries, Meghan reenacted the deep, dramatic bow she performed when first meeting Queen Elizabeth II. For many viewers, this was a massive "cringe" moment. Critics saw the theatrical, floor-sweeping gesture as a direct mockery of a tradition that millions hold dear—essentially a caricature of the late Queen’s dignity. It felt out of place for a serious documentary, leaning more into parody than personal reflection. However, looking at it through a more empathetic lens, it captures her nervousness of meeting the Queen for the first time.

The ongoing use of the "Duchess of Sussex" title remains one of the most polarizing aspects of the couple's post-royal life. When Harry and Meghan stepped back in 2020 but kept their titles for branding and public speaking, it touched a nerve with the British public. Critics argue it’s a blatant contradiction: you can’t spend your time publicly dismantling an institution while still handing out business cards embossed with its prestigious status. It feels like trying to have your cake and eat it too. From Meghan’s perspective, the title is part of her legal identity and a gift from the Queen, yet using it while voicing grievances creates a massive PR friction. It raises a very human question: can you ever truly separate your identity from the system you’ve left behind?

In a behind‑the‑scenes video released by Meghan, she was seen dancing with Harry in the delivery room just before the birth of their second child. The light, spontaneous moment, filled with laughter and calm, was viewed by many as a sweet, human slice of life. But it also opened her up to mockery, with some calling it “performative,” “over‑the‑top,” or “too personal” for public sharing. Critics questioned why such an intimate moment needed to be shown, accusing her of blurring the line between private and public moment.