Meghan Markle's refusal of Penny Morant's heartfelt gift and plea for support has stirred discussions across the political sphere.
Morant, aged 51 and a leader in the House of Commons, revealed that she had sent a specially crafted necklace to Meghan, made by survivors of human trafficking. However, despite Morant's efforts, the Lord President of the Council confirmed that there was no response from the Duchess at the time.
Morant's collaboration with the charity Eden, which teaches jewelry-making skills to survivors of human trafficking in Myanmar, a region plagued by such atrocities, highlights the urgent need for support in Southeast Asia, where over half of global human trafficking survivors reside.
The handcrafted necklace was Morant's gesture of support to Meghan when she was navigating her early days in the royal family. Sadly, it didn't elicit a response. Morant shared her disappointment, mentioning that other Members of Parliament also tried unsuccessfully to connect with the Duchess. Despite this, Morant expressed gratitude for the support she received from fellow parliamentarians, emphasizing her intent to showcase to Meghan the potential impact she could have.
Morant's profile rose unexpectedly after she donned a striking gown during the King's coronation last May. The gown, adorned with elaborate gold embroidery, was complemented by a Jane Taylor headpiece, marking Morant's memorable presence.
Her decision to opt for a cape design stemmed from its historical significance and a nod to the military, symbolizing her groundbreaking role as the first woman in her position. Collaborating with specialists, Morant meticulously designed the attire, incorporating hand-embroidered gold ferns that paid homage to tradition while representing her coastal constituency of Portsmouth North.
In her ceremonial role as Lord President of the Privy Council, Morant carried out various duties, including bearing the weighty Sword of State. This symbolic act, requiring her to carry the 3.6 kg sword for 51 minutes straight, showcased her commitment and dedication. Following the ceremony, Morant presented the jeweled Sword of Offering to the king, an item adorned with silver, diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, blessed by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
In response to the news, social media erupted with criticism towards Meghan. Some highlighted her associations with individuals linked to dubious activities, contrasting her behavior with that of Catherine, who demonstrated compassion by wearing inexpensive earrings for a noble cause. Meghan's perceived lack of manners and disregard for decorum fueled the discourse, portraying her as more focused on material gain than genuine empathy.
Morant's gesture and subsequent disappointment underscore the complexities within the royal family and the expectations placed on its members. While some may criticize Meghan's actions, others applaud figures like Morant for their unwavering dedication to causes close to their hearts.
