Royal watchers were left reeling this week after reports emerged that Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, cited her third pregnancy as the reason for missing Princess Anne’s high-profile birthday celebrations. Yet eyewitnesses claim that Meghan was seen enjoying herself on a luxury yacht with a group of friends, sparking fresh debates about her public image and commitment to royal engagements.
The birthday event, attended by senior members of the Royal Family and held at a private estate, was expected to include Meghan, who has often been noted for her fashion-forward appearances and careful media management. Official statements suggested she would be unable to attend due to health precautions associated with her pregnancy.
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Critics were quick to voice their opinions. “She’s always been very savvy with public appearances, but this is another example of what many see as prioritizing leisure over duty,” one royal commentator said. “Using pregnancy as an excuse and then being spotted at a party is bound to provoke controversy.”
Fans of Meghan, however, defended the Duchess, arguing that pregnancy does not preclude relaxation or private social time. “Pregnancy is exhausting, and she deserves moments of joy,” tweeted one supporter. “Being on a yacht doesn’t make her any less committed to her family.”
Despite the divided opinions, the incident has reignited speculation about Meghan’s “Yacht Girl” persona — a nickname tabloids coined years ago for her love of luxury travel and high-profile social outings. Some commentators are questioning whether this is evidence of a return to that lifestyle, particularly at a time when the Sussexes have publicly emphasized family and charitable priorities.
While Buckingham Palace has not commented on Meghan’s absence or her yacht activities, royal observers suggest that such episodes, whether intentional or coincidental, feed into the ongoing narrative about the Duchess’s role within the extended Royal Family. With Princess Anne’s milestone celebration now behind her, attention is likely to turn to Meghan’s upcoming engagements and how the public perceives her balancing of personal freedom, motherhood, and royal responsibilities.
For now, the images of Meghan enjoying her yacht outing stand in stark contrast to the somber elegance of Princess Anne’s birthday festivities — a dichotomy that critics say continues to fuel debate over the Duchess’s priorities and public image.
