Meghan Markle’s ‘Cringe’ Dance Video Backfires—But She’s Laughing All the Way to the Weekend
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, is keeping her spirits high despite recent online mockery over a dance video she shared. In a recent Instagram post for her lifestyle brand, As Ever, Meghan radiated positivity, expressing excitement for "all the good to come." This upbeat message came shortly after she and Prince Harry faced a wave of criticism for a playful but "cringe-worthy" video that resurfaced earlier this week.
The Dance That Divided the Internet
The video in question dates back to 2021 and shows Meghan and Harry awkwardly dancing in a hospital room as Meghan prepared to give birth to their daughter, Princess Lilibet. The couple attempted to "drop it low" to the viral "Baby Momma Dance Song," with Meghan holding her pregnant belly and Harry joining in the fun. The clip was meant to be a lighthearted moment, especially poignant as they were both just a week past their due dates, trying everything from spicy food to acupuncture to induce labor.
However, instead of warm smiles, the video was met with a barrage of harsh comments. Some social media users labeled the clip "cringe" and "fake," accusing the couple of trying too hard to appear relatable. One commenter on X (formerly Twitter) bluntly wrote, "Make it stop. #Cringe," while another remarked, "Everything they do to be 'relatable' is weirdly not relatable. It's bizarre how they never miss."
Meghan's Response: Optimism and Moving Forward
Rather than engage in the negativity, Meghan chose to focus on the positive. Her Instagram post featured a serene photo of her running through ocean waves in a white maxi dress, captioned with a breezy "Running into the weekend like 🌊." This simple yet uplifting message seemed to underscore her refusal to be bogged down by online trolls.
The Duchess also shared a heartfelt caption with the dance video, explaining the context and humor behind it: "Both of our children were a week past their due dates… so when spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didn't work – there was only one thing left to do! 😂" This candidness invited empathy and reminded fans that even royals have their awkward, human moments.
Family Fun at Disneyland: A Birthday Celebration
Shortly after the dance video stirred controversy, Meghan and Harry celebrated Princess Lilibet's fourth birthday with a family trip to Disneyland. Meghan posted several snapshots from their visit to Disney's California Adventure, showing the family enjoying magical moments like meeting Queen Elsa, indulging in a Little Mermaid-themed cake, and shopping for Mickey and Minnie Mouse plush toys.
While Meghan shared these joyful glimpses, she thoughtfully protected the privacy of their children by covering Archie's and Lilibet's faces with heart emojis—a reminder that despite their public lives, the couple values family boundaries.
The Bigger Picture: Royals, Relatability, and Public Scrutiny
Meghan and Harry's journey since stepping back from royal duties has been marked by intense public scrutiny. Their attempts to connect with fans on social media often walk a fine line between genuine and staged, making them frequent targets for criticism. Yet, their willingness to share personal moments—whether it's a goofy dance or a family outing—speaks to a desire to be seen as real people, not just royal figures.
Interestingly, a 2024 Pew Research Center study found that public figures who show vulnerability and humor tend to foster stronger emotional connections with their audiences. Meghan's dance video, while mocked by some, likely resonated with others who appreciate seeing a less polished side of celebrity life.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Meghan Markle's story is a reminder that even the most scrutinized personalities have their awkward, human moments—and that's perfectly okay. Her optimistic outlook and ability to laugh at herself amid criticism show resilience and a refreshing dose of authenticity
