Meghan Markle, Prince Harry Use Platform With 11.3M Followers For Promotion; Royal Couple Criticized

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry used a huge platform to promote a message, but they got criticized.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have a massive following on social media, so Prince Harry and Markle used it to promote the World Health Organization’s recommendations to fight COVID-19.

ABC News foreign correspondent Maggie Rulli acknowledged the move when she spoke with “HeirPod” host Omid Scobie. She said that it was a good platform to promote a “powerful” message.

“Look at how many followers the Sussexes are up to now. That's a huge platform for them to really post things like hand washing,” Rulli said.

“Hand washing can be pretty boring so posting that on your Instagram feed isn't something you would normally do, not in a time where there's no crisis happening. So it's pretty monumental that they're using their 11.3 million follower platform to promote things like hand washing and proper social distancing.“

Scobie agreed and stressed that the Sussexes may have brought the message to the younger demographic who do not watch traditional TV news or buy newspapers.

“I think that it is great that every section of society is being reached in some way with this really important messaging. That is really using your platform for the best purpose. It's so not about yourself, it's a selfless act,” Scobie said.

While Rulli and Scobie agreed that Prince Harry and Markle did great for sharing the message on their official social media account, many slammed the royal couple. Several said they already knew the message and accused them of trying to be relevant. Many also criticized them for posting frequently when they previously said that they want to be private citizens.

“I thought they moved to be away from media so why post on social media so often,” alexfarmer313 commented on the Sussexes' post.

In related news, Prince Harry and Markle have reportedly moved to the U.S. They left Canada to be in Los Angeles near the duchess’ friends and mom Doria Ragland. Insiders said that they have a strong support in California.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex need President Donald Trump’s approval to enjoy the diplomatic protection in the country. However, the POTUS already said the United States will not be paying for their security.