Meghan Markle’s 40th Birthday Initiative Sparks Controversy

Australian hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sophie Walsh recently took a jab at Meghan Markle for her 40th birthday message, in which she unveiled a new initiative aimed at supporting women re-entering the workforce post-Covid-19.

Criticizing the Duchess for her upbeat demeanor and strong work ethic advocacy despite leaving her royal duties after a brief tenure, Sophie Walsh remarked during the Today Show, “I love that she's lecturing people about getting back into the workplace and she quit her job as a Royal after less than two years.”

Meanwhile, her co-host Karl Stefanovic pointed out Meghan's luxurious lifestyle, highlighting the dog lounging in the background of her video message, quipping, “And to have that dog's life, just lying there in front of the fire that's not on, on a pillow.”

In a playful exchange, Karl Stefanovic further teased Meghan Markle for her American accent, questioning why she doesn't speak in a more conventional manner.

He humorously remarked, “American accent, to harness the woman's mobility as she works back.

I mean, come on.”

The banter continued as Sophie Walsh mockingly commented on Prince Harry juggling outside the window during Meghan's conversation with her friend Melissa McCarthy, exclaiming, “Harry's lost the plot.”

Meghan Markle introduced her innovative “40 by 40” project through her platform Archewell, urging individuals worldwide to dedicate 40 minutes of their time to mentor women seeking to rejoin the workforce.

In a light-hearted video featuring Melissa McCarthy, the actress initially brainstormed birthday celebration ideas for Meghan before transitioning to discuss the charitable endeavor.

Expressing concern for the millions of women globally who lost their jobs due to the pandemic, Meghan emphasized the potential impact of collective action, stating, “If we all commit 40 minutes to some sort of active service, we can create a ripple effect.”

Detailed information about the 40 by 40 initiative is available on the Archewell website, emphasizing the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on women.

Meghan enlisted a diverse group of 40 individuals, including Stella McCartney, Adele, and Gloria Steinem, to kickstart the global mentoring effort.

The launch of this initiative coincided with Meghan Markle's 40th birthday festivities, initially rumored to involve a lavish party with 65 guests at her Californian residence, though subsequent reports debunked these claims.

Instead, it is believed that Meghan celebrated in a more intimate setting with her husband Prince Harry and their two children, Archie and Lilibet.