Meghan Markle slammed after cringeworthy three-word remark: ‘Give me a break!’

Duchess of Sussex sparks furious backlash shortly after arriving in Australia for four-day tour

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle greet fans in Australia (Image: Getty)

Meghan Markle has sparked a furious backlash following a three-word reply as she greeted fans shortly after arriving in Australia with Prince Harry. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have jetted down under as part of a four-day visit, which will see them carry out engagements for causes close to their heart.

Meghan Markle visits women’s refuge in Melbourne

After arriving in Melbourne on Tuesday, the royal couple first stopped off at a Children’s hospital where they visted an oncology ward, before heading to meet with military veterans. Both Meghan, 44, and Prince Harry, 41, also received handmade drawings and knitted flowers from crowds.

When introduced to Steve Cotterill, the inaugural Australian poet laureate at the Australian National Veterans’ Art Museum asked Meghan: “How would you like me to address you?” Harry shrugged his shoulders, replying: “However you like.” His wife then suggested: “Call me Meg?” The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be in Australia for four days carrying out engagements (Image: PA)

While the interaction was intended to be light-hearted, it quickly gained traction online, with royal watchers dissecting the exchange across social media platforms.

Some critics on X, labelled the remark “cringeworthy”, arguing it blurred the line between Meghan’s royal title and her more informal, personal brand. One user shared, “Can we not just shun the tedious attention seekers Meghan Markle and Prince Harry?”

Another agreed, adding: “How cringeworthy can you get. Now it’s just Meg.” While a third demanded King Charles strips them of their titles: “Good. Now The King should make it a permanent change. Strip the titles and honours and stop this elitist, entitled farce from expecting the UK and other countries to pay for their police and security protection. Harry & wife are ripping off taxpayers, wherever they go.”

Meghan Markle was snapped in a navy fit and flare dress by Australian designer Karen Gee (Image: Getty)

Others suggested the response felt at odds with the more polished and formal image the Duchess had presented earlier in the day during the couple’s first engagement at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

The exchange comes as Meghan and Harry continue their visit to Australia, which has already drawn attention for its similarities to a traditional royal tour, despite their representatives insisting the trip is not official.

They were welcomed by a crowd of several hundred patients and their families, spending around 40 minutes greeting well-wishers, posing for photos and speaking with children.

Meghan and Harry for their second engagement opted for a matching in kahki look (Image: PA)

During the visit, the Duchess was presented with a pink knitted flower by Lily, a four-year-old cancer patient, which she warmly received. “How old are you?” she asked. “Four? My daughter Lili is also four.”

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Lily’s mother then shared that her daughter had been born just one day before Princess Lilibet in June 2021.

Another young patient, eight-year-old Enuara, who was in a wheelchair, also gifted Meghan a plastic flower. “Is that for me? Thank you, so sweet,” she responded, before embracing both girls with a hug.