The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has faced criticism for having afternoon tea with Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai at Claridge's in London. Meghan shared images on social media over the weekend showing herself alongside the education activist, marking the International Day of the Girl. The pair were surrounded by tea, cakes, scones, jam and cream.
Joint statement on girls' education
In a joint statement posted on social media, they said: “When we support the girls of today, we empower the women of tomorrow. Access to education is the key to unlocking this.”
The statement added: “This International Day of the Girl, in partnership with Archewell Philanthropies [Meghan and Prince Harry’s nonprofit, formerly known as Archewell Foundation] 100% of net proceeds from As Ever jams and teas will support Malala Fund and its vital work to ensure that every girl has access to free, safe, quality education. Tea for Two has never felt so good.”
Columnist's criticism
The Afternoon Tea at Claridge's, which has been served for around 120 years, costs £125 per person for the Rose Champagne version, which comes with a 28-page menu. While the meeting appeared good-natured, critic William Sitwell took issue with it. Writing for The Telegraph in an opinion piece titled “Meghan’s Malala tea party plunges new depths of vanity”, he said: “While Meghan was in London doing what she does best, albeit with no clear plan save polishing her ego, having tea at Claridge’s with Malala Yousafzai, the extraordinary female educational activist and Nobel Laureate.”
Sitwell wrote: “Exiting the front door of the chicest of upmarket London hotels, Meghan, in full view of the assembled press, flamboyantly hugged Malala. So keen she appears to be to bask in reflected glory, dressed in such a way that you could not possibly miss her, nor as a media editor, resist publishing the photographs.” He also referenced her social media posts with other figures, including the late Gloria Steinem.
Sitwell added: “I can tell the pair (Meghan and Harry) that this kind of behaviour doesn’t go down too well in the so-called Cotswolds and they shouldn’t see succour in the activities of Prince Harry’s uncle Earl Spencer.” He went on to say: “Like Meghan and Prince Harry’s penchant for simpering personal revelation his revolting Jeremy Kyle-style indiscretions do not, er, sit well, among the lush pastures, quaint inns, honey-stoned cottages and homes of middle England.”
