Meghan Markle recently found herself in the crosshairs of social media ridicule after showcasing a striking tote bag featuring her royal initials in a new video she shared on her Instagram.
The Duchess of Sussex has had a whirlwind schedule these past few weeks, jetting from Paris for Fashion Week straight to the bustling streets of New York City and then on to Washington, D.C. On Wednesday, she provided her followers with a glimpse of her recent escapades in the U.S. capital, where she spoke at a summit related to her partnership with Netflix and her brand, As Ever.
The Instagram reel captured snippets of Meghan attending the prestigious Fortune’s Most Powerful Women summit alongside her travels around D.C.
It featured lighthearted moments, including her raising a champagne glass with a friend inside an aircraft and the hustle of her team managing her suitcase.
Yet, amid all these engaging clips, it was the large dark tote emblazoned with the initials “DS”—standing for Duchess of Sussex—that caught the attention of viewers.
Fans wasted no time expressing their opinions, and the response was steeped in mockery.
Comments quickly flooded social media, deriding the bag’s design.
One observer on X questioned, “Did she really have a bag made with the initials DS for Duchess of Sussex?
Didn’t she say she was ‘recovering from her time in the institution’ in the Fortune monologue?” Another echoed similar sentiments, describing it as “heinously tacky.”
The criticisms didn’t stop there.
Observers took to Instagram, where one user remarked, “Oh God, that is cringe!” while another quipped, “Not even the real original royals have that!
LOL, it’s pathetic!” However, not all reactions were negative; some supporters praised her video, with one saying, “Booked, unBothered and Busy!” and another lauded her as a “Beautiful Duchess of Sussex.
Continue to shine bright like a diamond.”
The standout bag, however, wasn’t just an innocent accessory.
People magazine identified it as a symbol of her royal title, emerging after Meghan asserted in her Netflix show that her surname is now Sussex, not Markle.
The video, soundtracked by Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” showed the luggage being maneuvered through hotel hallways and flashed glimpses of Meghan next to the tote in an elevator.
Criticism persisted on social media, with some highlighting that the bag was likely carried by a member of her team, perhaps casting doubt on whether it was even hers.
Still, sources close to Meghan suggested that the tote belonged to her.
Interestingly, the Duchess of Sussex was the first to hold this title in history, bestowed onto her and Prince Harry during their 2018 wedding by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Since that momentous occasion, however, Meghan and Harry have only made brief public visits to Sussex, making the assertion of identity as “Sussex” rather curious.
Recently, during her Netflix series, Meghan corrected a friend who referred to her as “Markle,” emphasizing her preference for “Sussex.” Their only trip to Sussex as a couple in 2018 garnered eager crowds, illustrating the public’s keen interest in their royal life.
The Duchess’ current social media presence reflects a conscious brand-building approach, blending her private identity with public appearances.
Following her alleged PR blitz in the U.S., she recently attended a vegan dinner hosted by friend Emma Grede, where she was hailed for championing women and their shared endeavors.
Grede’s event, steeped in empowerment and female solidarity, aligns perfectly with Meghan’s current advocacy theme.
Clad in chic attire, including a designer blazer and complementing trousers, Meghan brought her fashion A-game to the dinner.
The event featured her own line of wine alongside plant-based dishes, drawing attention not just to her activities but also to her evolving role in the culinary and lifestyle sectors.
Observers captured moments of her clinking glasses with attendees, underscoring her efforts to blend social engagement with personal branding.
Through all this, Meghan Markle continues to navigate the tumultuous waters of public perception.
While she faces criticism for flaunting her royal ties, she also garners support from fans who celebrate her independence and influence as a public figure.
It’s a balancing act that leaves many wondering whether the Duchess will ever fully escape the shadow of her royal past or if she’ll continue to embrace it with both hands.
