Old reports about Meghan’s charity work spark renewed criticism
Harry’s upcoming visit to Canada has brought fresh attention to Meghan Markle’s controversial past behaviour during her charity work in the country.
The Duke of Sussex is set to travel to Canada for a True Patriot Love Foundation dinner on November 5–6, continuing his ongoing focus on charitable causes. However, as the news spread, stories about Meghan’s alleged “diva-like” requests during her time as a charity ambassador resurfaced.
Before marrying Harry, Meghan served as a global ambassador for World Vision, working on the organisation’s Canadian projects. According to royal biographer Tom Bower, the former Suits actress made a series of costly demands while filming a promotional project in Rwanda in 2016.
Bower claimed Meghan insisted on flying first-class and travelling with her own photographer, Gabor Jurina, as well as a personal hair and makeup artist, Michael Goyette. The producer of the project, Brenda Surminski, reportedly said Meghan’s requests were well beyond the budget, forcing her to withdraw from the shoot altogether.
Meghan Markle made a trip to Rwanda in early 2016 for the Christian charity, World Vision. She told the film producer, Brenda Surminski, she was thrilled she had been recommended to promote the charity's project to build wells in Rwanda.
— Suburban Duchess (@SuburbanDuchess) April 27, 2024
Once the contract had been signed, Meghan… pic.twitter.com/lMRoQoSfpv
Surminski later criticised the trip, describing it as “mind-blowing” that someone would stage a photoshoot in a poor village to appear philanthropic.
The resurfaced claims have reignited debate about Meghan’s approach to charity work, especially as she and Harry continue to present themselves as global humanitarians through their Archewell Foundation.
