Meghan Markle's 'Lost Screen Memorial' address in Geneva is under scrutiny.
'Emotional Parallels': Meghan Markle Accused of Invoking Princess Diana’s Mental Health Legacy During Geneva Speech
Meghan Markle is facing heavy criticism after unveiling the 'Lost Screen Memorial' in Geneva.
The emotional art display featured 50 large lightboxes shaped like smartphones, with each showing the actual lock-screen picture of a young child who died due to online cyberbullying, digital violence, or grooming.
Markle, however, is being accused by critics of intentionally inviting comparisons to the late Princess Diana.
During the high-profile event, Markle spoke in detail about the dangers of harmful online content and eating disorders affecting children.
The project was co-hosted by the World Health Organization and Markle's own charity, Archewell Philanthropies.
At the podium, Markle delivered an emotional address regarding the toll internet platforms can take on the mental health of the youth.
A source familiar with the situation told RadarOnline, "There were definitely people who felt Meghan's speech carried emotional parallels to Diana's very public struggle with eating disorders and mental health. Critics believe she understands exactly how powerful those associations are and that invoking subjects so closely linked to Diana inevitably reignites comparisons between the two women."
An X post on Meghan Markle's speech in Geneva.
The insider added, "Others close to Meghan insist that interpretation is unfair and that she was speaking about a genuine public health crisis affecting children online. But there's no question that whenever issues like body image, vulnerability and media pressure are discussed by Meghan, the Diana comparisons immediately return."
Princess Diana’s Battle With Bulimia
Diana famously shocked the world in 1995 during a television interview -- she went public with her long and painful personal battle with bulimia nervosa, according to Elle.
Diana explained how the stress of royal life and constant media pressure triggered her eating disorder.
She said that she wanted to break the stigma around mental health.
Experts are now finding a connection between Diana's past struggles and the modern dangers of online content targeting children.
Years ago, Diana faced body-image issues that were triggered by paparazzi cameras and magazines.
Today, young children face a similar pressure right inside their bedrooms because of social media apps.
This happens as algorithms on smartphones push harmful dieting tips and extreme body standards to teenagers.
An X post on Meghan Markle's recent speech in Geneva.
Addressing the same, Markle said, "Children today are being shaped by systems designed to capture attention at any cost: relentless algorithms, exploitative engagement, and endless exposure to harmful content that they are not seeking out."
"These stories are not isolated. They are consistent. And they are not the fault of the child, nor the parent", she added.
Modern-Day 'People's Princess'?
This is not the first time people have accused Markle of trying to follow in the footsteps of her late mother-in-law.
Ever since she married Prince Harry, royal commentators have pointed out similarities in Markle's clothes, public actions and media interviews to those of Diana.
From frequently wearing specific jewelry pieces that once belonged to Diana to striking similar poses during major television interviews, critics argue that Markle has tried to position herself as a modern-day "People's Princess," according to Vanity Fair.
While millions of her global supporters strongly maintain that she is simply continuing Diana's humanitarian work, critics have remained convinced that she uses Diana's memory to shield herself from negative criticism and gain public sympathy.