Meghan Markle has been criticized on social media over her decision to use her royal title, after she insisted that all people should be ‘linked not ranking’ during an interview with feminist icon Gloria Steinem.
The 39-year-old Duchess of Sussex spoke about her love for feminist expression – and revealed during the ‘backyard conversation’ with Gloria, 86, that she even wears it with her on a bracelet given to her by the activist.
However, some Twitter users were quick to accuse Meghan of hypocrisy, asking her how she could promote the concept of equality in an interview in which she chose to use her royal title.
Backlash: Meghan Markle is ridiculed after saying in a Q&A with Gloria Steinem that it ‘means everything to her’ that people are ‘not linked to rankings’, despite still using their Duchess title
‘She should not spit on links and rankings, if [she is] use a rank title, ‘tweeted one person. “Just go back to just Meghan Markle, actress.”
Another added: ‘Meghan and Harry talk about “not linking rankings blah blah”, but still keep some joke to their titles.’
Meaningful: The quote is one of Gloria’s most famous – and the 86-year-old gifted Meghan bracelet with the mantra on it, which the couple discussed during their interview
A third chimed in: ‘Not linked rankings? Deep nonsense (awakening) is what Meghan is dealing with. And lies. Does Steinem really not know how Markle conceived, planned and seduced an unattractive half-wit into marrying into the British royal family for fame, money and the chance to be ashamed of hasbeens and hacks? ‘
‘I thought it was insane that they were talking about’ linked ‘instead of’ ranking ‘, tweeted another person. ‘This comes from Meghan using her Duchess title? I’m so through with her. ‘
One person specifically highlighted the irony in the fact that Meghan’s written Q&A with Gloria – in which she shared how much the ‘linked not ranking’ quote means to her – was published by female empowerment platform Makers Women under the byline ‘Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex ‘.
‘No problem that Meghan encouraged people to vote (especially women), but this “are not linked rankings” … yet MAKERS put Meghan’s title The Duchess of Sussex next to her name,’ they wrote.
Others wondered if Meghan was trying to inflict a veiled blow on the royal family by sharing her love for the mantra, with one account suggesting it was meant to be a ‘grave’ at the monarchy.
Uprising: Many Twitter users have wondered how Meghan can promote the idea that everyone ‘links are not ranked’, while still technically ranking themselves using their title.
Did you know? Others questioned whether the quote was meant to be a ‘dig’ against the royal family and their traditional hierarchy.
‘Meghan’s obvious digging at the whole institution: how all women’ are linked, not ranking, ‘”the Twitter user wrote.
‘Now dear, if you find the hierarchy truly so archaic and anti-feminist, why do you still cling to your title? Oh that’s right, you offer nothing without. ‘
Another person then replied, ‘Women do not link rankings. Def in dig. But coming from Duchess Meghan, you have to laugh. ‘
The Q&A between Meghan and Gloria was published by Makers on Wednesday, following a behind-the-scenes teaser clip shared the day before, which saw the two women deal with a variety of issues, from voter oppression to gender equality.
At one point, the two women discussed equality, with Gloria referring to Indian culture ‘in which women were equal’, and stated that this ‘system of balance’ was the idea that men were ‘linked not ranked’.
Meghan then called attention to her bracelets, a set of $ 48 beaded accessories designed by Gloria to raise money for Feminist.com, and which have the meaning: ‘Imagine that we are linked, not ranking. ‘
‘I love this,’ said the Duchess of her bracelet, adding, ‘It means everything to me on every level; we are linked not ranking. ‘
Go, go, go! Despite the criticism, the bracelets worn by Meghan – who come in black and red – flew off the shelves in the hours after her interview.
Stylster: The Duchess of Sussex wore the accessories at the Q&A, which was published by female empowerment platform Makers Women
Decisions: After the formal resignation of the royal family, Meghan and Harry were fired from their HRH styles, but they are still known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Gloria then replied, ‘And I thank you for understanding that rank is less important than being linked. That’s a big thing. ‘
But while some accused Meghan of hypocrisy, her praise for the bracelets Gloria gave her caused the accessories to still fly off the shelves, with many Twitter users reporting that she sold out live within minutes of the interview were.
Strikingly, the social media discussion about Harry and Meghan’s use of their ducal and duchess titles comes just when it was revealed that the couple had changed the name of their charitable foundation to remove Sussex Royal.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have agreed to use their brand ‘Sussex Royal’ after they officially left The Firm on April 1st this year.
Her departure – nicknamed Megxit – prompted talks with aid workers, who ended with the agreement that they could not use the word ‘royal’ as part of a new brand.
Now paperwork has been published that the formal change of name for the ‘Sussex Royal The Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’ to MWX Foundation was registered on 5 August.
The name may be short for the Markle Windsor Foundation.
As part of Megxit discussions, it was agreed that Harry and Meghan would remain the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, however, the couple were fired from their HRH styles, and may not use the word ‘royal’ in relation to their work going forward.
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