Meghan Markle Mocked For ‘Conveniently’ Photographed London Lunch Ahead Of Royal-Style Outing

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Meghan Markle has sparked another round of criticism following her latest London outing, with some royal watchers questioning the timing of photographs showing the Duchess of Sussex enjoying lunch near Kensington Palace. She was spotted with her longtime hairstylist, George Northwood, on Wednesday, October 14, just one day before she and Prince Harry were scheduled to make a series of charity visits in Nottingham. While the lunch appeared to be a casual catch-up, photographs taken by Backgrid quickly circulated online, prompting critics to suggest the encounter with photographers was a little too convenient. The sighting comes as Harry and Meghan prepare to step out together for an engagement reminiscent of their days as working members of the royal family, despite having stepped back from royal duties in 2020.

Meghan Markle’s London Lunch Sparks ‘Conveniently’ Photographed Jabs

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Meghan’s lunch with Northwood became a talking point after royal commentator Nancy Sidley shared photographs of the outing on X.

“Meghan Markle isn’t even pretending she doesn’t want to be photographed anymore!” Sidley wrote. “Just a casual lunch at The Park near Kensington Palace with her longtime hairstylist George Northwood, conveniently captured by BACKGRID.”

Sidley also questioned the timing of the photographs, writing, “Nothing says ‘private visit’ quite like another perfectly photographed outing the day before your next royal cosplay engagement.”

Her post attracted a wave of reactions from users who were equally skeptical about the appearance, although there is no evidence that Meghan arranged for photographers to be present.

Meghan Markle Faces Claims That Her London Photos Looked Too Perfect

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Several commenters focused on how Meghan appeared in the pictures, with some suggesting the photographs looked unusually polished for an unplanned encounter. X user wrote, “Backgrid doesn’t just miraculously show up at the right time & place to get the perfect photograph. She thinks the public is stupid.”

Another commenter claimed, “And her face is heavily photoshopped.”

Meanwhile, a different user remarked, “That filter is working overtime!”

Others targeted Meghan’s appearance rather than the circumstances of the outing. One user wrote, “Well, HELLO! to the bronzer once again,” before calling the Duchess an “Attention seeking SoHo grifter.”

The comments reflected the critical tone surrounding the photographs, but the claims about editing and how the images were obtained remain unverified.

• Meghan Markle faced questions over a hypothetical $2,520 Malala Fund donation after the estimated amount drew comparisons to her reported $37,000 ensemble at a dinner with Malala Yousafzai.
• Prince William and Kate Middleton reportedly refuse to engage in a rivalry with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, despite the ongoing tensions between the two royal households.
• Harry and Meghan faced backlash over taxpayer-funded security concerns after their Nottingham charity visit schedule became public knowledge.
• Meghan was accused of orchestrating a photographed appearance at a British pub as online critics questioned whether the outing was as spontaneous as it appeared.
• Harry and Meghan drew criticism for organizing a royal-style engagement in Britain amid reports that King Charles had emphasized their status as private citizens.
• Meghan faced concerns about possible permanent hair loss after a hair expert warned that frequently wearing her signature slicked-back hairstyle could cause lasting damage.

Meghan Markle’s London Lunch With Hairstylist Draws Attention

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Northwood is no stranger to Meghan’s public appearances. The celebrity hairstylist has worked with the Duchess for years and was involved in creating some of her most recognizable looks during her time as a working royal. According to HELLO!, Meghan was also joined at the restaurant by Sarah Corney, managing director of Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis’s London office. Her presence added another professional connection to the gathering, although the purpose of their meeting was not disclosed.

For the London outing, Meghan wore a dark tailored blazer over a black top, paired with blue jeans and pointed-toe heels. She carried a dark handbag and wore her hair loose as she walked alongside Northwood. The photographs showed the pair outside the restaurant, with Meghan appearing to speak and gesture as they made their way through the area.

One X user reacted to a photograph of Meghan looking toward the camera, writing, “Nothing says ‘I didn’t call you & definitely don’t know your first name’ like direct eye contact with a hidden photog.”

Another user joked, “She’s hasn’t met a camera she doesn’t like.”

Prince Harry And Meghan Markle’s Royal-Style Nottingham Outing Adds To The Scrutiny

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The timing of Meghan’s lunch attracted additional attention because it took place immediately before her scheduled joint appearance with Harry in Nottingham on Thursday, October 15. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were due to visit organizations supporting young people and local communities, including the Community Recording Studio, Himmah and Epic Partners. The engagement marked another high-profile appearance during the couple’s return to Britain, with their public schedule drawing comparisons to the charity visits they once carried out as senior working royals.

As The Blast previously reported, their plans had already prompted discussion about the distinction between their current private status and the royal-style engagements they continue to undertake. The itinerary also sparked criticism about security arrangements after details of their planned stops circulated online.

Meghan Markle’s Critics Revive Debate Over Her Public Appearances

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The latest photographs have also reignited a familiar argument about how Meghan handles publicity while maintaining privacy concerns. An X user questioned the couple’s security concerns, writing, “Staring directly at the camera. People who call the paps on themselves shouldn’t be given security!”

Another commenter suggested the outing was intended to draw attention ahead of the Nottingham engagement, writing, “She had to get that horrid outfit out of everyone’s mind! Cleanse our pallet for the big reveal tomorrow.”

Not every response was negative, however. One user offered a more favorable assessment of Meghan’s outfit, saying the tailored blazer and ankle-length jeans suited her better than some of her previous looks. The criticism echoes the reaction to an earlier UK appearance, when Meghan faced accusations that photographs from a British pub outing had been staged. This time, the debate has centered on a lunch with a familiar member of her styling team, the resulting photographs and their arrival just hours before Harry and Meghan’s latest public engagement.