Meghan Markle’s social media has once again stirred controversy—this time over something as simple as picking fruit.
The Duchess of Sussex recently posted a photo of herself reaching for a piece of fruit in her garden, and critics wasted no time scrutinizing every detail.
“Pick, Snack, Repeat”: A Seemingly Harmless Post Draws Fire
Since reviving her Instagram account in January to promote her new lifestyle brand As Ever, Meghan has been sharing carefully curated snapshots of her life in Montecito, California. Her latest post featured a serene scene: Meghan in a white linen shirt, with a sun hat around her neck, casually plucking what appears to be peaches or apricots from a tree.
She captioned it simply, “Weekend plans: pick, snack, repeat 🍑,” suggesting a laid-back family weekend filled with fresh fruit.
The Internet Thinks Something’s Off
But one image in particular caught the attention of online skeptics. In the photo, the fruit she’s about to pick appears noticeably different—riper, more vibrant, and oddly glowing compared to the surrounding green ones.
Internet users quickly speculated whether the photo was altered or staged. Some argued that the lighting made the fruit look unnaturally bright. Others claimed the fruit wasn’t even attached to the tree. “She’s just holding it there to make it look like she’s picking it,” one commenter said. Another remarked, “She’s such a fraud, as ever…”
The critiques didn’t stop there. One user took it further, saying, “The only thing real about this photo is proof of just how far she’s fallen.” Another bizarrely commented, “She’s the type to buy a water bottle and throw it in the ocean to set it free.”
Not Meghan’s First Social Media Firestorm
This isn’t the first time Markle’s social media presence has drawn criticism. Whether she’s promoting her brand, talking on a podcast, or spending time with family, nearly every move she makes becomes fuel for her critics.
On a recent episode of The Jamie Kern Lima Show, Meghan spoke about the “power of yet” and how she’s learning to be more patient with herself. What was meant to be motivational was interpreted by some as forced or fake optimism.
Even Family Outings Face Criticism
The backlash extends to her role as a mother. Meghan and Prince Harry were also targeted online for taking their children to Disneyland to celebrate daughter Lilibet’s birthday—a harmless family outing that somehow drew criticism.
And stories about her parenting choices continue to emerge. New Zealand journalist Dan Wootton recalled an incident from six years ago when Meghan and Harry were flying with their newborn son to South Africa. According to Wootton, flight attendants were shocked that Meghan allegedly left all the childcare duties to the nanny and barely interacted with her baby.
Locals Weigh In on Meghan’s Public Persona
Even Meghan’s neighbors in Montecito have opinions. Some claim she appears distant or unapproachable in public, describing her as “guarded” or “hard to read.” While this could be understandable given the intense scrutiny she faces, others believe she should be warmer and more open with those around her.
Conclusion: Every Move Under the Microscope
Meghan Markle’s latest fruit-picking post might seem like a harmless glimpse into her lifestyle brand. But in the court of public opinion—especially online—nothing escapes scrutiny. Whether she’s plucking peaches, speaking on a podcast, or taking her kids to Disneyland, the Duchess finds herself at the center of relentless debate.