Meghan and Malala Spotted at Claridge's
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, was photographed meeting Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai for afternoon tea at Claridge's in London on October 7. The outing, one of Meghan's first public appearances in the capital since her return to the UK this summer, quickly generated headlines and online discussion.
According to sources, the two women sat in the hotel's Art Deco-inspired Foyer and Reading Room, where they were seen in conversation over tea and mineral water. A fellow diner captured a video of the meeting, which was shared on social media with the caption: "POV: Claridge's decided to seat Meghan Markle and Malala in front of you." The pair were later photographed sharing a warm hug outside the Mayfair hotel.
Meghan wore a neutral ensemble featuring a white sweater, flowing white trousers, and a camel-colored coat. She accessorized with Logan Hollowell's Lover's Duet Diamond and Emerald Chain Necklace, priced at $21,150, a black quilted Chanel handbag, and pointed-toe flats. The Daily Mail estimated the total cost of her outfit at over £28,000 (approximately $37,000). Yousafzai opted for a beige blazer over blue-and-white striped trousers with a coordinating headscarf. Security personnel were present throughout the meeting.
A History of Collaboration
The meeting was not the first time Meghan and Yousafzai have joined forces. In October 2020, the activist participated in a virtual discussion with Meghan and Prince Harry in honor of International Day of the Girl. The conversation focused on barriers to education faced by young women. Following that event, Yousafzai wrote on social media: "Meghan and I are on the same page: we both believe that when girls have access to education, everyone wins."
A source familiar with the recent meeting told ABC News that the two are friends and had gathered simply for tea. The outing marks only Meghan's second public social engagement since she, Harry, and their children, Archie (7) and Lilibet (5), moved back to the UK in late August after six years in California. Her first outing was in September, when she was photographed with Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi at a pub in Oxfordshire.
Online Criticism Over Security and Spending
Despite the friendly nature of the meeting, social media users were quick to criticize both Meghan's security arrangements and the cost of her outfit. Some questioned why she would sit in a visible spot if she were genuinely concerned about safety. "If Markle was really worried for her 'safety' she'd be sitting with her back to the room. Not the seat on display for everyone to see it's her," one user wrote. Another commented, "She's using Malala as a human shield against getting booed."
Meghan and Prince Harry have not received taxpayer-funded police protection from the British government's RAVEC since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. They rely on a private security team, and Harry lost a legal battle to restore government-funded protection in the UK. The meeting comes as RAVEC is reportedly reconsidering the couple's security arrangements now that they live in the UK full time.
The $37,000 outfit also drew sharp reactions. Several users called it "the ultimate contradiction" for Meghan to wear such expensive clothing while meeting with an activist known for advocating for girls' education. "Nobody would wear it unless it was deliberate, in order to attract criticism," one user argued. Another simply called it a "DISASTER!"
Broader Implications
The outing highlights the ongoing scrutiny Meghan faces as she re-establishes her public life in the UK. While her friendship with Yousafzai underscores her continued commitment to advocacy, the online backlash illustrates how every aspect of her appearance and security is politicized. As the couple adjusts to life back in Britain, questions about their security and public engagements are likely to persist. The meeting also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance Meghan must strike between her private life and her public role, especially amid the ongoing royal family rift. In related entertainment news, Keri Russell Reveals She Told Matthew Rhys to Omit Her from Emmys Speech and Colin Donnell Returns to Chicago Med: Dr. Connor Rhodes Back for Season 12.
Comments