Meghan Markle has reportedly pulled out of delivering a speech alongside her husband, Prince Harry, in Brussels, just hours before the couple were due to arrive at an event focused on children's online safety.
The Duchess of Sussex has found herself at the centre of yet another media storm, with her latest decision likely to give her critics much to talk about. It is hardly surprising that the decision will get people talking, as Meghan has never been short of critics, and her latest move is sure to leave people questioning why a scheduled engagement has been abandoned.
Background of Scrutiny
I'll be the first to admit, Meghan has been her own worst enemy when it comes to endearing herself to the Great British public. From THAT tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey to their ahem mixed bag of a Netflix series, which featured yet more explosive accusations and bombshells about the family she had married into, Meghan has left critics questioning her every move and more often than not, with very good reason too.
Now, though, anyone with an ounce of decency will be able to view her latest decision with a little more empathy. To pull out of public engagements is likely to raise eyebrows, but on this occasion, I think we need to cut Meghan a little slack. I know, I know it's propostorous to suggest such a thing but honestly, the circumstances around her choice are far from ordinary.
Father's Arrest
Her father, Thomas Markle Snr, whom she has been estranged from for many years, has been arrested and charged in connection with allegations involving child sex abuse material, allegations that he has called "sick lies".
The couple are travelling to Brussels today. Whatever your feelings towards Meghan, it is difficult to imagine the emotional weight that she is facing in the present moment. This is not simply another chapter in the saga with the Markle family; it is the weight of dealing with deeply disturbing allegations about her own father.
Emotional Impact and Reactions
Meghan has spoken out publicly about being deeply distressed by the allegations, and explained why she had chosen to distance herself from her father and, as a mother herself, protect her two young children. With the situation having escalated further in recent days, it is perhaps understandable that she might not have felt able to stand before an audience and deliver a speech as though nothing had happened.
Some will, however, believe that Meghan should have decided to carry on and fulfil her commitments. Meghan is definitely no stranger to scrutiny, especially when it comes to public appearances. However, there is a difference between holding someone accountable for a professional commitment and expecting them to carry on regardless of what has happened behind closed doors.
Meghan may have handed her critics an easy opportunity to question her latest move, but sometimes even the most scrutinised public figures deserve some sympathy. And surely, this is one of those occasions.
