Meghan Markle has been blasted over her reported bid to gag pupils from speaking negatively about a school visit.
Speaking on GB News, Angela Levin discussed reports suggesting Meghan’s and Prince Harry’s aides insisted on Public School 123 in New York signing an agreement that prohibited them from making negative comments during a visit in 2021.
The Sun made the discovery under freedom of information rules, which saw correspondence from Danielle Filson, the school’s press secretary, who asked for the best way for the clause to be signed.
Levin accused the couple of denying children of their right to “freedom of speech” in a blistering attack on the Sussexes.
Angela Levin has criticised Meghan Markle over a school visit in 2021
GB NEWS / PA
“It’s ridiculous. People who ask for that either have no confidence in themselves or they know they are doing something wrong”, she said.
“I think it’s very cruel, why shouldn’t children be able to say ‘I don’t like this book?’, it makes you shiver.”
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The demands were reportedly made ahead of a visit by Harry and Meghan to promote the Duchess’ new book ‘The Bench’.
Meghan read the book to children at the school while being filmed by a Netflix crew for their documentary, ‘Harry & Meghan’.
Days before the engagement the Archewell Foundation contacted the Department of Education to make the terms of their visit clear.
Speaking to the press or publishing social media posts criticising the Sussexes were banned for “now and in the future” for those involved in the visit under the agreement.
Meghan and Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020
PALevin criticised Meghan’s demeanour during the visit, suggesting the Duchess wanted to “show off” her lavish possessions.
“She turned up in a jacket that was worth about £5,000”, she said.
“She had lots of Cartier jewellery, showing off, that’s not really the way to do it.
“This was one of the most difficult schools in Harlem with no money, yet she insisted for this in a diva-like way, even though the book was completely unsuited for seven-year-olds.”
Meghan Markle's book was 'poorly written' according to Levin
PAGB News host Patrick Christys suggested the Sussexes were perhaps justified in their request, as they did not want to be levelled with a “gotcha” moment that would have seen children potentially giving less than favourable opinions of the Duchess’ book to the press.
Levin said Meghan would have been better served receiving criticism as it could have perhaps served as a lesson for potential future publications.
“I think you could learn from that”, she said.
“You could say, ‘that’s ok, tell me what you didn’t like and next time I will try my very best’.
“That’s the right thing to say. You don’t stop them from saying anything, it’s free speech for young children, not just older people.
“You don’t just allow people to say they don’t like you.”
The couple have kept their distance from the media in most circumstances since ditching royal duties in 2020, only engaging when they feel it is best suited.
The couple have given a bombshell sit down interview with Oprah Winfrey and released a Netflix docuseries fleshing out their perceived misgivings with the royal establishment.