Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have received a lot of flak for reportedly conducting their trip to New York like a ‘royal tour,’ which includes appearing at the Global Citizen Live event in Central Park on Saturday.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their first public appearance after the birth of their daughter Lilibet at the One World Observatory.

Kathy Hochul, the governor of New York State, also joined them at the skyscraper’s observatory.

While it was a watershed moment, the reaction on social media was anything but positive. Given that they have left the Royal family, critics of the couple have suggested that they should not be associating and meeting with political figures.

“I don’t know what’s more embarrassing, the Sussexes treating a visit to NYC like it’s a royal tour, or the Mayor and Governor treating it like it is,” a Twitter user named @UKRoyalTea said in response to their 11,000 followers.

Another said: “Yes exactly! It’s just wrong for them to do that because they aren’t working for the Firm anymore and aren’t neutral at all and to be with that man while using the titles! It’s a big mistake.”

The two have been accused of attempting to make a fortune by using the Royal family’s name.

@home nextdoor said: “There needs to be a clear separation from the monarchy and royal duties to ‘private citizens’. Why are their titles used to sound like a visit is a royal tour??!!”

Another user, @Royal Watcher_, added: “I’m utterly more embarrassed for the Governor and Mayor. With all that’s going on in NYC right now (I live here), THIS is what they’re doing?! @NYCMayor @GovKathyHochul A press event for two non working royals?!?! You have more important things to be doing!!! Good grief.”

However, @Akuafrema20, a Twitter user, supported the Sussexes, saying: “Not everything is royal centric. So stop making it about them. They are high profile people so obviously, it will be announced it. Also, it’s only royalists that always have issues with what they do even royals themselves have said their views and work are their own.”

Harry and Meghan’s trip to New York is their first public appearance together since taking parental leave in June after the birth of their daughter Lili.

Regardless of the intentions of the couple, it is apparent that they will always wield some power. Who are we to say anything to disregard it as long as they can use it in a positive light? However, the public’s view of them isn’t looking good.