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A Royal Tribute or a PR Misstep?
On the surface, Meghan
The Duchess of Sussex shared a carousel of touching images, including a photo of Harry cradling one of their children, a baby scan labeled “Archie,” and a moment of tenderness between their children, Archie and Lilibet. The post included handwritten messages—one prominently reading “Our love story”—and was accompanied by the feel-good anthem “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers. Her caption read:
“Seven years of marriage. A lifetime of stories. Thanks to all of you (whether by our side, or from afar) who have loved and supported us throughout our love story – we appreciate you. Happy anniversary! ❤️”
Yet, instead of praise, Meghan faced criticism for making the tribute feel self-centric and omitting her husband’s name. Critics on X (formerly Twitter) accused her of using the moment for branding purposes rather than genuine affection. The reaction intensified when her lifestyle brand As Ever posted a separate anniversary message featuring stylized photos of Meghan and Harry, with the caption:
“Sometimes two is better than one. Wishing a very happy anniversary to our founder @meghan and her husband Prince Harry.”
The dual-post strategy raised eyebrows, with many interpreting the As Ever post as Meghan “wishing herself” a happy anniversary. The backlash grew louder as users questioned not only her PR approach but her sincerity. Comments ranged from light mockery to harsh criticism, with some alleging that Meghan was using the moment to center herself in what should have been a shared celebration.
What Undercode Say:
This situation offers a fascinating look into how personal branding, celebrity culture, and public expectations clash—especially when it comes to figures as polarizing as Meghan Markle.
On one hand, Meghan’s post aligns with modern social media storytelling: curated, aesthetic, emotionally evocative, and branded. She offered intimate glimpses into her private life, chose symbolic photos, and embedded her message within a broader narrative of love, gratitude, and support. From a PR standpoint, it was consistent with the Sussexes’ overall strategy—humanize the brand, celebrate authenticity, and maintain aesthetic coherence.
However, that very branding seems to have overshadowed the intent. The lack of a direct mention of Prince Harry—her partner in the anniversary—feels less like a personal oversight and more like a deliberate choice to center the narrative on her version of “our love story.” While this might not seem like a major issue to a marketer, to many followers it struck an odd chord. In a time when authenticity is prized, the post came off as overly curated and emotionally detached to some.
The As Ever post complicated matters. By making a second post through her brand’s account, Meghan blurred the lines between a personal moment and corporate messaging. It’s akin to wishing yourself a happy birthday from your own company account—it raises questions about ego, audience, and intent.
Public reactions—especially on platforms like X—highlight the ongoing struggle Meghan and Harry face with online perception. No matter how carefully crafted their messages are, they are often met with skepticism or ridicule from a subset of vocal critics. The lack of photos with extended family, especially her mother Doria or Black relatives, also triggered commentary, hinting at deeper concerns about representation and selective storytelling.
The core lesson? Even in personal tributes, authenticity
🔍 Fact Checker Results:
✅ Meghan Markle’s official Instagram anniversary post did not mention Prince Harry by name.
✅ As Ever is her brand, and it posted a separate anniversary message referring to “our founder @meghan and her husband Prince Harry.”
✅ Public criticism on X included comments about her self-centric messaging and lack of family inclusivity in the photos.
📊 Prediction:
Given the reaction, Meghan Markle is likely to recalibrate future personal posts. Expect more direct references to Prince Harry and a softened approach to branding overlap in emotionally significant content. The Sussexes are savvy media players, and this backlash could push them toward clearer, more emotionally grounded storytelling in future public communications—especially around anniversaries, birthdays, and milestones. If they don’t adjust, public skepticism about their authenticity will only deepen.
References:
Reported By: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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