All round

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry PR move branded ‘tacky’ after charity photo op

Via

411 HQ

Updated on July 5, 2023

See more articles on:Prince Harry

get top stories via email

Prince Harry and Meghan have been hard at work from their new residence, participating in video conferences and online meetings. However, the pair has been eager to go out and about whenever possible, and on Wednesday they worked with a non-profit that distributes supplies to needy families.

Meghan and Harry were seen on Wednesday distributing diapers, books, and clothing as part of a charity effort established by the non-profit organization Baby2Baby.

This happened at the Dr. Owen Lloyd Knox Elementary School in South Los Angeles, and they were both wearing face masks.

Meghan’s striped mask was created by Royal Jelly Harlem, a New York City-based Black female-founded business. In the 90-degree heat, the duchess donned a long-sleeved, lightweight white shirt with rolled-up sleeves. She matched with army green shorts and white shoes.

However, for some royal fans, their act of charity seems to have been tarnished when it was revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had brought along a photographer to capture their effort. On behalf of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the pictures were attributed to a freelance photographer named ‘Christian Monterrosa.’

On Twitter, a fan in the United States said, “Baby2Baby is one of the MOST celebrity heavy charities in LA. The work they do is amazing, but for moms in Hollywood, it’s the essential social event of the year. A savvy, but transparent move. Also, it’s tacky to openly bring your own photographer to a volunteer opportunity.”

“Yes, very well put! It doesn’t come across particularly well to bring your personal photographer along with you,” said another person.

“HQ pics, private photographer… if that’s not PR, I don’t know what it is,” chimed in another.

Since the COVID-19 epidemic started, Baby2Baby has given over 30 million basic goods like as diapers, formula, soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer, masks, baby food, and more to some of the most vulnerable children throughout the nation. With a goal of giving these essential goods to over one million children this year, Baby2Baby allows families to utilize their very limited money to pay rent, put food on the table, and keep their children safe.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex worked with Baby2Baby, one of four charities they selected to assist celebrate Archie’s birth in May, and the only one in the United States. The pair also assisted youngsters in selecting and trying on new backpacks.

According to one source, despite the heat, “everyone was in great spirits. The kids were eager to receive their books and supplies and Meghan and Harry did what they do best—engage and connect with the crowd.”

The pair was “determined to serve every last child waiting in a line that wrapped around the school,” according to the source, and they “chatted with the families about the upcoming school year and wished all of the kids good luck.”

After relocating earlier this summer, the couple has been settling into their new Santa Barbara home.

As per ET, Prince Harry and Meghan “love” living in California, specifically Santa Barbara, where the pair is eager to become a part of the community. According to a source, the family is having a “happy time” right now, and Archie is doing extremely well. In fact, his new house has a playground, which he’ll soon be roaming around in, according to the source.

“We are so grateful to be onsite during the most unique back to school week in history distributing school supplies, backpacks, hygiene, clothing and food directly to children and families who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and are struggling to afford the basic necessities they rely on school to provide,” Baby2Baby Co-Presidents Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof said in a statement. “We are committed to supporting the students from our partners at LAUSD and around the country throughout distance learning as well as when they are back in the classroom.”

“Thank you to Baby2Baby for your generosity and support,” said Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Austin Beutner. “The faces of the students and families as they receive necessary supplies remind us all how important it is, during these most difficult of times, to create a sense of stability and even a few moments of happiness, in the lives of those we serve.”