Buckingham Palace appears to have subtly taken a jab at Meghan Markle by cleverly capitalizing on a trending meme that has recently gained traction on social media.
This comes just days after Meghan's tour of Colombia, where she was described by some observers as "very mindful" and "very demure." In a seemingly coordinated effort, the Palace Shop's official Instagram account released an advertisement for its tea sets, making a cheeky nod to these very descriptors.
The meme, which originally gained popularity through a TikTok creator, went viral as fans and critics alike used the terms "mindful" and "demure" to describe Meghan's appearance during her tour. In what many saw as a witty move, the Buckingham Palace Shop's Instagram post showcased their tea crockery with the caption, "Our sets are very demure, very mindful." The video accompanying the post further emphasized these words, playfully suggesting, "You see how we pour our tea—very demure, very mindful." The timing and choice of language in the Palace's post did not go unnoticed by royal watchers and social media users.
Many interpreted it as a playful dig at Meghan, who has often faced criticism for her fashion choices and public demeanor. The post quickly ignited a wave of reactions, with royal fans applauding the marketing team's cleverness and timely relevance. One user commented on the marketing team's ingenuity, while another added, "Marketing team staying relevant, very demure, not doing too much, very respectable."
The origins of the "very mindful, very demure" meme can be traced back to TikTok, where it was used to ironically describe Meghan's outfit during her Colombia tour. The Duchess's attire, which some perceived as more fitting for a Vegas showgirl than a royal figure, became the subject of much online debate and mockery. Critics pointed out the contrast between the word "demure" and Meghan's choice of a sundress with a revealing cut and slit, suggesting that her style was anything but modest. The meme quickly gained momentum as people humorously juxtaposed the idea of Meghan being demure with her actual public image. Comparisons were drawn between Meghan and other celebrities who have successfully embodied the demure look, highlighting Meghan's perceived lack of self-awareness and fashion sense. Some critics even went so far as to quip that Meghan is "as demure as a Vegas showgirl," questioning her ability to embody the qualities typically associated with royalty.
While it's easy to interpret the Palace's post as a direct swipe at Meghan, others argue that the marketing team was simply tapping into a popular trend. The "demure" meme had been circulating for some time, and Buckingham Palace's social media team, like many others, may have simply seen an opportunity to engage with their audience in a light-hearted manner. Regardless of the intent behind the post, it once again brought attention to the ongoing tension between Meghan Markle and the British royal family. Some view the Palace's actions as a form of subtle trolling, a way to undermine Meghan's image without directly engaging in public criticism. Others believe that Meghan is insignificant to Buckingham Palace, and that the post was merely a coincidence.
Whether a calculated move or a simple marketing strategy, Buckingham Palace's playful use of the "very demure, very mindful" meme has undoubtedly added fuel to the fire of public speculation and debate surrounding Meghan Markle and her place within the royal family.
