Old reports about Meghan’s charity work spark renewed criticism
Harry’s upcoming visit to Canada has brought fresh attention to Meghan
Markle’s controversial past behaviour during her charity work in the country.
The Duke of Sussex is set to travel to Canada for a True Patriot Love
Foundation dinner on November 5–6, continuing his ongoing focus on charitable
causes. However, as the news spread, stories about Meghan’s alleged
“diva-like” requests during her time as a charity ambassador resurfaced.
Before marrying Harry, Meghan served as a global ambassador for World Vision,
working on the organisation’s Canadian projects. According to royal biographer
Tom Bower, the former Suits actress made a series of costly demands while
filming a promotional project in Rwanda in 2016.
Bower claimed Meghan insisted on flying first-class and travelling with her
own photographer, Gabor Jurina, as well as a personal hair and makeup artist,
Michael Goyette. The producer of the project, Brenda Surminski, reportedly
said Meghan’s requests were well beyond the budget, forcing her to withdraw
from the shoot altogether.
Meghan Markle made a trip to Rwanda in early 2016 for the Christian charity, World Vision. She told the film producer, Brenda Surminski, she was thrilled she had been recommended to promote the charity’s project to build wells in Rwanda.
Once the contract had been signed, Meghan… pic.twitter.com/lMRoQoSfpv— Suburban Duchess (@SuburbanDuchess) April 27, 2024
Surminski later criticised the trip, describing it as “mind-blowing” that
someone would stage a photoshoot in a poor village to appear philanthropic.
The resurfaced claims have reignited debate about Meghan’s approach to charity
work, especially as she and Harry continue to present themselves as global
humanitarians through their Archewell Foundation.
