However, on one evening, after the day's events had concluded, Megan was spotted in an outdoor seating area smoking a cigarette. A short video clip of this moment was posted online and has since gained millions of views. In the video, Megan can be seen seated at a table with a few others, taking a drag from her cigarette and exhaling smoke.
At first glance, this might not appear to be a significant matter, considering that many celebrities and public figures have been photographed smoking in the past. However, there are a couple of crucial factors that have fueled a substantial online reaction. Firstly, Megan is now a senior member of the British royal family as Prince Harry's wife. For Royals, image and decorum are of utmost importance, and smoking contradicts the image they typically project to the public. Additionally, Megan had previously spoken out against smoking, even discussing the health risks of cigarettes on her now-deleted lifestyle blog, The Dig. Hence, her being seen smoking herself appears hypocritical, given her past stances.
Moreover, in today's age of smartphones equipped with advanced cameras, public figures are acutely aware of how their actions might be perceived when in public. As the video began circulating on platforms like Twitter and Reddit, reactions poured in. While some defended Megan's right to smoke, many criticized her for the hypocrisy and for not being more discreet, especially at a high-profile event like the Invictus Games, where photos and videos were bound to be taken. Headlines highlighted her failure to lead by example and questioned her judgment in attending a health-focused event while smoking. Some suggested that her actions could potentially harm the charities and organizations supported by Megan and Harry if their patrons saw footage of her smoking.
As the video continued gaining traction on social media, spokespeople for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex acknowledged that Megan was indeed pictured smoking but declined to provide further comment or explanation, requesting privacy during their trip. However, this response only served to frustrate critics further, who argued that as senior Royals receiving public funds, Megan and Harry couldn't selectively choose when they wanted privacy versus publicity.
Following the release of the smoking video, various discussions emerged online. Some dug up old photos of Megan smoking during her pre-royal acting days, suggesting that this wasn't new behavior for her but emphasizing that she should know better as a royal. Others pointed out past photos of Prince Harry smoking at previous Invictus Games, highlighting a potential double standard in the criticism aimed at Megan. Supporters of Megan viewed the entire ordeal as yet another instance of unfair media scrutiny.
