Meghan Markle's recent appearance at Oprah Winfrey's exclusive book club event in Summerland, California, was intended to be a celebration of literature but quickly turned into a spectacle centered on Meghan's public return.
With a luxurious setting and a guest list meticulously curated by Oprah herself, the event was expected to highlight the featured books. However, it was Meghan who became the focal point, sparking controversy and raising questions about her true intentions. Critics were quick to suggest that Meghan’s presence seemed less about a genuine love for literature and more about maintaining her visibility in the public eye. Her carefully chosen outfit and poised demeanor led many to speculate that her appearance was a calculated public relations strategy rather than a sincere engagement with the literary world.
Far from being a typical book club gathering, the event seemed more like a stage, and Meghan appeared determined to be the star. For years, rumors had swirled about Meghan and Oprah's relationship, especially after their explosive 2021 interview, which many believed had strained Oprah’s public image. Reports surfaced that Oprah had distanced herself from the Sussexes following the fallout. However, Meghan's attendance at this event reignited speculation, with some believing the two were reconciling. Others saw it as a strategic move by Meghan to align herself with Hollywood's elite once again. Whatever the case, the dynamics between the two women added a layer of intrigue that overshadowed the event's original literary focus.
One of the most striking moments of the evening was the prominent display of Prince Harry's controversial memoir, Spare. Known for its bombshell revelations about the royal family, the book stood out among the other titles, fueling speculation that Meghan and Harry continue to leverage their personal narratives for publicity. The choice to highlight this particular memoir seemed to confirm for some that their involvement in the literary world is more about generating media attention than making meaningful contributions. Meghan's speech at the event did little to change these perceptions. Widely criticized by both attendees and commentators, her speech was described as lacking in authenticity. A poll indicated that 87% of respondents didn’t consider her an effective speaker, reinforcing the belief that her participation was more about self-promotion than literary enthusiasm.
Adding to the evening’s drama was a reported incident in which Meghan was seen flirting with Victoria Jackson’s husband, a moment that added an air of awkwardness to an already tense atmosphere. The timing of Meghan’s appearance, which coincided with the eve of the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, was viewed by many as a glaring display of disrespect. Critics argued that her decision to attend an event so close to such a solemn date further demonstrated her disregard for royal protocol and decorum, resulting in public backlash.
Overall, the evening painted a familiar picture of Meghan Markle—a public figure who appears to prioritize her image over genuine engagement. Her actions at the book club event seemed to follow a pattern, one in which her Hollywood connections are continuously leveraged to keep her in the public eye. For many, this appearance was not a return to public life marked by substance, but rather another carefully orchestrated chapter in Meghan's ongoing saga of media manipulation. What was meant to be a celebration of literary achievements instead became another episode in the Markle media circus, leaving behind a trail of criticism and further questions about the authenticity of her public engagements.
