Meghan Markle faced criticism after jetting off to New York in a luxurious private jet for her baby shower in 2019. The Duchess of Sussex, who was celebrating the impending arrival of her son Archie, made the trip on a Royal aircraft, sparking a wave of negative reactions.
According to the Daily Mail, Clarkson criticized both the event and Meghan’s use of a private jet in his column in The Sunday Times, though he admitted his own past fondness for this elaborate way of travel. The Duchess of Sussex, 43, flew to New York by private plane for the shower with her A-list friends before the arrival of her eldest child, Archie.
The lavish nature of Meghan’s travel also drew commentary from other experts. Royal commentator Dickie Arbiter noted that Meghan’s decision to fly privately for the occasion was reflective of her American roots. Speaking to US Weekly, Arbiter explained, “Baby showers, it’s very much an American thing. We don’t do it here in the UK.”
He further elaborated on the criticism, stating, “It was a bit over the top in terms of expense and the way she got there. Meghan is American, and she does things the American way.” The backlash highlighted the cultural differences between Meghan’s American upbringing and the more reserved traditions of the British royal family, with some viewing her choices as excessive and unroyal.
Despite the criticism, Meghan’s baby shower was a star-studded event, attended by close friends and celebrities, further fueling the debate over her approach to royal duties and lifestyle. As Meghan continues to navigate her role as a member of the British royal family, her actions often spark discussion and divide opinion, particularly when they deviate from traditional expectations.