Meghan Markle has faced criticism following a brief visit to a refugee kitchen, where she reportedly spent only 10 minutes with Afghan women.
Critics contend that what could have been an opportunity to highlight the struggles and resilience of these women instead became a moment centered around Meghan herself. Refugees at the event expressed frustration, alleging that Meghan neither engaged meaningfully nor contributed to the cooking, interacting solely with the same three women featured in her photos from previous visits. These three women, reportedly connected to Meghan's foundation, were said to be the only ones allowed close to her, leaving others feeling excluded.
Attendees voiced disappointment over the lack of interaction, claiming that Meghan missed a chance to make the visit impactful. One source suggested that a cooking segment for her Netflix project could have been symbolic and meaningful, but instead, Meghan declined to cook, posed for photographs, and left shortly afterward. The criticism extended to her choice of attire, with her sleeveless outfit and loose hair perceived as culturally insensitive in the context of Afghan traditions. "She didn’t even stay for the meal," one refugee remarked. "It was just photos, a quick hello to the same three women, and then she was gone."
Refugees in the camp shared feelings of being used for what they described as a staged publicity stunt. "Nothing has changed for us since she started visiting," one attendee said. "There’s been no real support, no initiatives that have improved our lives." The repeated focus on the same individuals in Meghan's photos raised suspicions of orchestration, with some suggesting the visits served more to boost her image than to genuinely assist the community. "It feels like we’re just here to prop up her image," another refugee commented. "She’s exploiting our hardships for her own gain."
Observers and critics alike have questioned Meghan's intentions, arguing that the visit lacked authentic engagement. One observer remarked that cooking with the refugees could have been a powerful gesture of solidarity and cultural respect, potentially creating a meaningful Thanksgiving moment for her Netflix series. Instead, the visit was marked by a lack of connection, leaving many feeling disappointed and disillusioned.
The incident has sparked broader conversations about celebrity involvement in humanitarian efforts. Critics argue that appearances without genuine involvement can come across as exploitative, leaving little tangible benefit for those in need. "The duchess could have done so much more," one royal commentator said. "Even a simple gesture like listening to their stories or helping prepare the meal would have meant so much. Instead, it seemed all about optics."
While Meghan’s supporters claim that her presence brought attention to the camp, those directly affected felt differently. "She didn’t bring food, she didn’t stay, and she didn’t help," one refugee bluntly stated. "What’s the point of her coming at all?"
