Meghan Markle hits out: "It's not controversial"
Meghan Markle has gracefully responded to criticism over her political views, and said she is no stranger to online misinformation.
The royal, 39, spoke at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit via video link, where she explained that her focus lately had been her family and trying to block out “the noise”.
“For me, it’s been amazing to spend time with my husband and watch our little one (son Archie) grow, and that’s where our attention has been,” she said.
“In addition to, of course, how we can be a part of the change of energy that so many people are craving right now and whatever we can do to help in that capacity.”
The Duchess of Sussex responded to the cutting criticism on her public support for the Black Lives Matter movement and her calls for people to vote in the US election.
The royal family have a strict rule of not involving themselves in politics and government elections, although royal members do not always follow that guideline.
“If you look back at anything that I’ve said, it’s really interesting because what ends up being inflammatory it seems is people’s interpretations of it,” Meghan said.
“But if you listen to what I actually say, it’s not controversial.
“And actually some of it is just reactive to things that haven’t happened, which – in some ways – I think you have to have a sense of humour about it, even though there is quite a lot of gravity and there can be a lot of danger in a misinterpretation of something that was never there to begin with.”
The duchess advised those watching the summit to “focus on living a purpose-driven life”.
She said: “Don’t listen to the noise.”
The ex-Suits star spoke at the summit in a 15-minute slot with journalist Ellen McGirt.
The exclusive online-only conference costs $A18,000 to attend.
Meghan also spoke about the Sussexes’ non-profit organisation Archewell, which she says aims to “ensure that we are helping foster healthy positive communities – online and off”.
“To see how you are propagating hate, whether passively or actively; to see how you are clicking on things that are contributing to an industry that is really toxic for so many of us, especially as parents,” the royal explained.
“We have got to all put our stock in something that is true. And we all need to have reliable media and news sources that are telling us the truth. Without that, I don’t know where it leaves us.”
Meghan said people should not contribute to or “click on” misinformation online.
“And when you know something is wrong, reporting it, talking about it, ensuring that the facts are getting out there … I think that is one clear tangible thing that everyone could be doing,” she said.