Meghan Markle was asked to step back from delivering her planned speech at the European Parliament in Brussels, with an insider claiming the decision was made by the Sussexes management rather than the Duchess herself.
The Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry attended the inauguration of their Lost Screen Memorial, an initiative highlighting the importance of protecting children from online harm.
The couple had initially been expected to address the audience together, but Harry ultimately delivered the keynote speech while Meghan watched from the audience.
The change attracted attention because it came shortly after reports that Meghan had been experiencing emotional difficulties.
A spokesperson for the Duchess previously explained that she was “just not strong enough, emotionally, to be doing any public speaking right now”.
However, commentator Rob Shuter shared a different account of how the decision was reached, suggesting that Meghan had been advised to withdraw from the speaking engagement.
An insider quoted in the report claimed the decision was not entirely Meghan’s own.
“Make no mistake, this was not Meghan’s decision. She was asked to pull out,” the source alleged.
The insider further claimed that organisers were concerned the event could become overshadowed by questions unrelated to its main purpose.
“They were facing a potential PR nightmare, and nobody wanted the entire event hijacked by questions about her father,” the source added.
“They needed to protect the message, even if that meant sacrificing Meghan’s speech.”
The source also suggested that presenting the change as Meghan’s personal decision was considered the simplest way to handle the situation.
“Presenting it as Meghan choosing to withdraw was simply the cleanest way to manage an incredibly messy situation,” the insider claimed.
Despite the reported change, Meghan remained present for the engagement alongside Harry as the couple marked the opening of the memorial.
The Duke used his keynote address to highlight the importance of creating safer online environments for children and protecting young people from digital harm.
The Sussexes have continued to support causes involving online safety through their philanthropic work, making the Brussels engagement an important public appearance for the couple.
However, the claims about management asking Meghan to withdraw have not been independently confirmed, and no official statement has suggested that the Duchess was forced to give up her speech.
