Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Criticized for Acting Like Heads of State During Their First Public Joint Visit in New York

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have been criticized by royal biographer Angela Levin for their recent visit to New York.

Levin accused the couple of acting like heads of state and government during their public joint visit.

She took to Twitter to express her views, stating that they are setting themselves up to be as important as heads of state and government, which they are not.

On the other hand, the couple's Archewell website has introduced an automated message advising visitors to take a break from their screens.

The message pops up 20 minutes after a visitor enters the site and reads, “We love having you here.

But we're mindful of screen time.

Why not take a break?

We'll be here.”

This message is in line with one of Archewell's partners, the Center for Humane Technology, which advises turning off online notifications, removing toxic apps, and tracking one's screen time to change habits.

During their visit to New York, the couple met with several high-profile figures.

They started their whirlwind visit by meeting New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and his family at the One World Trade Center.

Later, they headed to midtown East New York City to meet the U.S.

Ambassador at the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

They also participated in a roundtable discussion held in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) on the issue of vaccine equity.

Their high-profile meetings continued on Friday and Saturday when Prince Harry met with João Lourenço, the President of Angola, to discuss issues close to his heart, including the country's demining efforts and environmental issues.

They also visited the United Nations in New York to meet with Secretary General Antonio Guevara during the 193-member World Body's annual gathering of leaders.

The couple attended the Global Citizens Live event in Central Park, highlighting the importance of vaccinating the whole world to end the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to their public engagements, Meghan and Harry visited a school in Harlem with New York City Schools Chancellor Masha Porter to promote early childhood education and literacy.

They donated two garden boxes filled with vegetables and herbs to the school and provided further support through their non-profit organization Archul Foundation's partnership with Procter & Gamble.

This partnership will see the donation of health and hygiene products for the use of parents in need.

They also donated a washing machine and dryer for the school to use for students' uniforms.

The Duchess of Sussex personally donated reading nooks to many locations for the non-profit Graham Windham Across New York, supporting families' access to books.

Meghan and Harry's visit to New York culminated in their attendance at the Global Citizens Live event in Central Park, where they highlighted the importance of vaccinating the whole world to end the COVID-19 pandemic.

The couple's Archewell website had another makeover earlier this month when it updated its mission statement.

The Archewell Foundation is now described as an impact-driven global non-profit that puts compassion into action, uplifting and uniting communities locally and globally, online and offline.

Overall, Meghan and Harry's visit to New York was filled with high-profile meetings and engagements, promoting important causes such as vaccine equity, early childhood education, and literacy.

However, their actions have also been criticized for resembling those of heads of state and government.

Nonetheless, their non-profit organization continues to make a positive impact on communities worldwide, both online and offline.