Meghan Markle’s recent visit to a Melbourne homeless shelter quickly became a hot topic — and not for the reasons one might expect.
The Duchess of Sussex, currently on a business tour through Australia, joined the efforts to help women who had escaped domestic violence and homelessness, serving meals and offering support at the shelter. A worthy cause, but unfortunately, her outfit left many questioning her choice.
While her actions were commendable, the $35,000 worth of jewelry she wore during the event didn’t sit well with the public. The extravagant pieces, which included diamond earrings and a statement bracelet, stood out in stark contrast to the setting of the shelter, where the focus was supposed to be on giving back, not displaying wealth. Critics quickly took to social media, calling the choice “inappropriate” and “out of touch.”
But that wasn’t the end of the backlash.
Later, Meghan appeared at the Royal Children’s Hospital in a dark blue dress by Australian designer Karen Gee, priced at $1,250. She paired the dress with $750 Dior heels, and accessorized with more high-end pieces — including gold Puffy Hearts earrings and the famous Cartier Tank watch that once belonged to Princess Diana, worth millions due to its sentimental value.
And, of course, Meghan wore the Cartier Love Bracelet, a gift from her first husband, Trevor Engelson, adding yet another expensive piece to her already costly ensemble.
While some defended Meghan’s right to wear luxury items, others felt the choices were tone-deaf, especially when it came to a cause like homelessness. It was yet another chapter in the ongoing conversation about the balance between charity work and public perception.
