Meghan Faces Criticism Before WHO Speech
Meghan Markle has been criticised after posting an Instagram photo featuring her daughter, Princess Lilibet, shortly before delivering a speech in Geneva about the dangers social media poses to children.
The Duchess of Sussex appeared at a World Health Organisation event ahead of the 79th World Health Assembly, where she called for stronger global protections for young people online. During her speech, Meghan described children’s online safety as “a public health issue” and accused social media platforms of prioritising “profit over people.”
Speaking alongside WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Meghan urged world leaders and technology companies to take action against harmful online content and exploitative algorithms.
However, royal commentator Tom Sykes accused the duchess of hypocrisy over a social media post shared the night before the event. The Instagram image showed Meghan posing in a wardrobe filled with designer clothing while four-year-old Lilibet sat near her feet. Captioned “Mama’s little helper,” the post quickly drew attention online.
Writing in his Substack newsletter The Royalist, Sykes argued that Meghan’s message about protecting children online conflicted with her decision to feature her daughter on social media. He also criticised the luxurious setting of the image, claiming it appeared “boastful” and “tone-deaf,” while noting that several high-end fashion items were visible in the photograph.
Supporters of Meghan dismissed the criticism and instead praised her speech, with many describing her remarks as emotional and impactful. Several attendees at the Geneva event, including parents who had lost children to online harm, were visibly moved during the ceremony.
The event marked the unveiling of the “Lost Screen Memorial,” an installation honouring 50 children whose deaths were linked to digital harm. Each child was represented through illuminated displays designed to resemble mobile phone lock screens.
In her address, Meghan warned that rapidly developing technologies, including artificial intelligence, are intensifying online risks for children. She argued that online safety should be “safe by design, not safe by chance,” and called on governments, companies, and communities to demand greater accountability from digital platforms.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have increasingly focused on online child safety in recent years, including supporting stricter social media regulations and meeting families affected by online harm in both the United States and abroad.
