Meghan Markle’s Secret Service-Style Arrival Sparks Criticism
Meghan Markle is facing fresh backlash after turning heads with what critics are calling an “excessive” security detail during a solo trip to Broadway. The Duchess of Sussex showed up to the revival of Gypsy in New York on Thursday night with a four-car convoy, including three blacked-out SUVs and an unmarked NYPD vehicle in tow.
According to Page Six, her high-profile arrival allegedly included former Secret Service agents and two NYPD intelligence detectives—an operation that didn’t go unnoticed by the local press and paparazzi. One US photographer said: “Meghan is out of control and over-the-top, and it’s ridiculous if the city is paying for this.” They added, “And if NYPD was not on duty, then they shouldn’t be allowed to run lights. Somebody’s got to be paying for it”, reported Page Six.
Meghan was without Prince Harry, who’s currently in Ukraine, and had earlier dined at the Polo Bar—Ralph Lauren’s ultra-swanky hotspot—before heading to the Majestic Theatre. The luxury of it all, paired with the tight security, struck a nerve with critics who labelled the evening “tone-deaf” and “out of touch,” particularly given the lack of clarity over who footed the bill for her NYPD escort.
Despite the scrutiny, Meghan reportedly kept a low profile inside the venue. After the show, she headed backstage to meet six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald and other cast members. Sharing a photo from the evening, Meghan gushed: “Meeting @audramcdonald for the first time last night… Her performance will leave you absolutely speechless. Full body chills.” She added the standing ovation “would still be happening” if the theatre hadn’t closed for the night.
Thank you for visiting us at the Majestic, Meghan
— Gypsy on Broadway (@gypsybway) April 11, 2025It was an honor to have you in the audience for #GypsyBway! #meghanmarkle #duchessofsussex pic.twitter.com/aMbqnIN7Oy
The Gypsy production also gave Meghan a shout-out, saying: “Thank you for visiting us at the Majestic, @meghan. It was an honour to have you in the audience for #GypsyBway!”
While some fans praised her for supporting the arts—especially a show with such a diverse cast—others were less impressed, taking aim at what they saw as royal-level optics in a public space. Reactions online were mixed, with one user commenting, “So glad that Princess Meghan got to meet the cast & especially Queen Audra,” while others demanded answers about the use of public resources.
So far, there’s been no official word from the NYPD on who authorised or paid for the security operation.
Don’t Miss These:
- Keir Starmer Could Hand Kemi Badenoch a Surprise Win Without Realising
- Naga and Charlie Stun Viewers With Heartbreaking News No One Expected
- ‘Miracle’ Baby Was Born Twice After Mom’s Womb Was Removed at 20 Weeks Pregnant
- Brits Fume as Record Channel Crossings Ignite Talk of Invasion
- Patsy Palmer Storms Off Another Interview After Awkward Mickey Rourke Questions