Meghan Markle has found herself in the crosshairs of online criticism after showcasing a tote bag with her royal initials, ‘DS’, emblazoned prominently on it.
The Duchess of Sussex, in her recent Instagram update, highlighted a tote that many viewers have deemed ostentatious and poorly conceived.
In a reel that documented her promotional tour around New York City and Washington, D.C., the Duchess repeatedly featured the visually striking black and blue tote, adorned with the initials that, according to People magazine, represent the Duchess of Sussex.
The timing of this revelation is notable, as Meghan recently declared on her Netflix series that she now identifies as Sussex rather than Markle.
As the upbeat Dolly Parton classic “9 to 5” played in the background, the video depicted the bag casually placed atop a suitcase while being trailed down a corridor.
To further showcase the tote, Meghan is seen beaming beside it in an elevator setting, presenting a seemingly sophisticated image.
The clip then transitions, revealing Meghan in a backstage environment prior to her participation in Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit.
Yet, the initial reception of the tote bag was anything but warm.
Critics took to social media to voice their disapproval, with one Twitter user commenting, “Please don’t tell me she had a bag made with the initials DS for Duchess of Sussex?
Wasn’t she just saying in her Fortune speech that she’s recovering from her time in the institution?”
Another critic chimed in, labeling the tote as “heinously tacky,” while a third follower remarked, “Oh God, that is so cringe!” These reactions encapsulate the mixed feedback following her stylish reveal.
While some supporters defended Meghan, suggesting the tote may not be hers since it appeared to be carried by someone else, People magazine remains steadfast in its assertion that the handbag is indeed an homage to her royal title.
Compounding the confusion, others pointed out moments in Meghan’s Instagram post where a member of her entourage appeared to assist with carrying her luggage.
Interestingly, a representative for the Duchess chose not to provide any commentary regarding this controversial fashion statement.
This comes on the heels of Meghan asserting that she prefers to be identified as Sussex rather than Markle, an assertion she’s championed with her friend, Mindy Kaling, during her Netflix series.
Interestingly, Meghan remains the first-ever Duchess of Sussex while Prince Harry holds the title of the Duke.
The pair were granted this prestigious dukedom on their wedding day in May 2018, a celebration marked by public adoration, particularly during their visit to Sussex in October of the same year.
However, their time spent in Sussex has been quite minimal, with Meghan only officially visiting the area for about six hours combined during her royal tenure.
In a recent episode of her Netflix cooking show, Meghan found herself correcting Kaling when her friend referred to her by her previous surname, leading to an awkward moment.
Meghan emphasized her identity, making clear that the surname “Sussex” holds great significance for her and her family.
Later, other celebrities began aligning with her preferred title.
In fact, Drew Barrymore has already referred to Meghan as “Meghan Sussex” after a glitzy event highlighting women empowering one another.
As Meghan continues her public relations tour in the United States, she was the guest of honor at a celebratory dinner hosted by Emma Grede, a well-known entrepreneur closely associated with fashion brands like Good American and Skims.
This dinner, which was entirely plant-based, showcased Meghan’s wine, dubbed As Ever, amid an atmosphere designed to encourage collaboration and support among women.
Guests at the event toasted with glasses of Meghan’s wine, while the hostess, Grede, shared heartfelt sentiments on social media about the importance of women supporting each other.
As the evening unfolded, Meghan made a fashion statement in a chic outfit, complemented by elegant accessories, aligning with her status as a style icon.
With her distinct fashion choices and her evolving identity, Meghan continues to captivate and polarize public opinion.
As she navigates her dual life as a public figure and a newly minted celebrity in the U.S., her journey remains under scrutiny, raising questions about the complexities of modern royalty.
