The restaurant captured this memorable occasion with a series of photographs shared on social media, showcasing the Sussexes in various candid moments with the employees — from posing with a staff member to engaging in conversations inside the eatery and even capturing moments outside the establishment.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive atmosphere, reactions to Meghan’s attire — jeans paired with a relaxed-fit denim button-up top from Aritzia, complemented by an ivory blazer by Heidi Merrick made of raw silk and hemp — were mixed among fans online. Critics commented on her choice of outfit, with remarks such as, “
This is not the first time Markle has been criticized for her attire. She was also critiqued for her SXSW appearance this month. While some fans ignored La Barbecue asking that no negativity be shared on their page, others shared love and positivity. Many jumped to Markle’s defense, highlighting the positive impact of the visit with comments like, “
Furthermore, the royal couple’s journey included a profoundly meaningful stop in Uvalde, Texas, to meet with the family of Irma Garcia, a victim of the tragic Robb Elementary School shooting. Irma Garcia’s dedication as a teacher for 23 years and her untimely death, followed by her husband Joe Garcia’s death from a heart attack, left a community in mourning and a nation in shock. The Sussexes’ visit, was described as “beautiful” and “compassionate” by Irma’s nephew, John Martinez.
Days after the shooting, Markle had visited the makeshift memorial at the county courthouse, where she placed flowers. A representative for Markle shared: “She took this trip in a personal capacity as a mother, to offer her condolences and support in person to a community experiencing unimaginable grief.”
As previously reported on March 10, 2024:
Gracing a keynote panel alongside media titans Katie Couric and Brooke Shields on Friday, Meghan dove into deep discussions on women’s representation in media, an issue close to her heart.
Critics were quick to voice their opinions, with some disparaging remarks comparing her sophisticated attire to bedsheets. “It looks like wrinkled bedsheets,” one comment read. Others skeptically asked, “Dreamy ensemble = Pyjamas?” and “Dreamy ensemble? Oh, do you mean it looks as though she slept in it?”
The critical commentary didn’t stop there. Some unfavorably compared her to Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, with one commenter blatantly stating, “She’s a hot mess. Her hair, too casual wrinkled outfit are no match for Catherine, Princess of Wales who is always dressed impeccably with class [sic].”
Others wrote, “The woman, yet again, managed to look like a total mess,” “Did she wake up and decide it was too much effort to put clothes on, so decided on her bed sheets???” and“Who dresses her, doesn’t she have friends?”
Contrasting the wave of criticism, Meghan also received a torrent of support from fans and admirers. Compliments flowed in, praising her choice of dressing and overall demeanor with Meghan’s attire reveals the craftsmanship and luxury behind the ensemble from Giuliva Heritage. Her “Husband Shirt in Striped Silk” is a testament to tailoring excellence, featuring long sleeves, a tailored fit, and adorned with elegant mother-of-pearl buttons.
Paired with it, the “Lena Skirt in Striped Silk” cascades gracefully to full length, crafted from luminous silk and secured with a side zipper. Both pieces, meticulously hand-made in Italy from 100% silk sourced sustainably, reflect hours of dedicated craftsmanship and techniques.
The discussion surrounding her outfit did not reflect the substantive issues she addressed at the SXSW event, titled “Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen.” The event tackled various pressing issues, including the pervasive toxicity of social media.
SXSW proudly invited Meghan to be a speaker, calling her a champion for feminist causes, human rights, and gender equity. During the discussion, Meghan shared her ordeals with social media, recounting the abuse she faced, particularly during her pregnancies and as a new mother.
“You know us as moms, it’s such a tender and sacred time. You can either succumb to it or nearly succumb to how painful that is,” she added.
She emphasized the necessity for a safer online environment, especially for women and children, and pointed out the tragic irony of women being the ones to perpetrate hate towards other women. “We have forgotten about our humanity, and that has got to change,” she said. Her heartfelt message underscored a broader call to action for humanity to embrace kindness and empathy.
The panel also boasted other distinguished speakers, including Emmy Award-winning journalist Katie Couric; acclaimed actress, model, and author Brooke Shields; and Nancy Wang Yuen, a sociologist and diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant.
Meghan donned a striking ensemble of red, celebrating Valentine’s Day with Harry in Whistler, British Columbia. The royal couple, momentarily stepping away from their Invictus Games commitments, were seen exiting an upscale Italian eatery, Il Caminetto, following an intimate dinner.
The duo, arms intertwined, made their way to a luxurious Ford Expedition SUV, their smiles unwavering despite the pressures and criticisms that have shadowed them recently. However, their sighting only brought more backlash from the internet.
“Secret?” one Facebook user wrote. “Cameras and summoned Paps everywhere.” Another person concluded through a tweet that the couple’s dinner was “paid for by Invictus, donated funds for wounded veterans,” adding that their action was “grossly inappropriate.”
A second person on Twitter echoed, “Who paid i wonder [sic].” Another social media user also wrote, “How nice of BC taxpayers to be paying for this.”
This dinner outing comes amid their three-day visit to promote the 2025 Invictus Games, set to be hosted in this picturesque ski resort. The Games, which has always been dear to Harry, will introduce winter sports to its roster, including snowboarding, alpine skiing, and wheelchair curling, among others.
His focus is on understanding the athletes. It’s about recognizing those embarking on a journey of recovery. That’s what drives him,” Bourgeois said. “He sees you and hears you. That’s what it was like for me. And I know that’s what it was like for a lot of my teammates.”
Bourgeois also described the Prince as “super genuine. “This is where the Prince gets recharged. He’s with his people now; he’s with the soldiers and the veterans, and that’s shared experiences,” he added.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived in Vancouver, Canada, days ago aboard a fuel-inefficient private jet. Their choice of transportation has since been criticized given their stance as environmentalists.
