Meghan Markle is once again at the center of attention — this time for a lavish Instagram post showcasing her trip to New York City.
The Duchess of Sussex, who’s often spoken about wanting a “normal” life for her family, gave fans a look into her glamorous side, and not everyone was impressed.
Inside Meghan’s Luxurious Big Apple Getaway
In her new highlight reel, Meghan swapped her $14.65 million Montecito mansion for the energy of Manhattan.
The video focused on the extravagant side of her trip — with rows of designer heels neatly color-coded on the floor, racks of chic blouses and handbags, and entire wardrobes of trousers hung with precision.
But the twist? This wasn’t a high-end department store display — it was the apartment where she was staying.
Prince Harry even made a surprise appearance in the background, barefoot, smiling, and dressed down in grey sweatpants and a T-shirt.
A Peek at Meghan’s Makeup Routine and Star Encounters
The Duchess didn’t stop there. The video also offered a peek into her makeup table, covered in luxury beauty products and brushes.
Meghan could be seen applying a bold pink lipstick before cutting to clips of her and Harry dressed to the nines for a New York event — even bumping into Ed Sheeran along the way.
It was a quintessential Meghan moment — polished, picture-perfect, and designed to dazzle.
But it came at a time when critics were still calling her “out of touch” following her Netflix series With Love, Meghan.
Defending Her “Normal” Life in California
Earlier this year, Meghan opened up about trying to live as “normal” a life as possible in California.
She told People magazine that she spends time with stay-at-home moms and working women in her community, goes to group fitness classes with up to 50 people, and even joins in on the school run for her kids, Archie and Lilibet.
“I think people want us to have the same kind of normalcy they do,” Meghan said.
“Despite how unique our situation is, we’re just parents who want the best for our kids.”
She described herself attending yoga or Pilates classes, sometimes alone, sometimes with friends — even fist-bumping a stranger next to her after a tough session.
“That’s how you connect,” she said warmly. “I missed that — it’s awesome.”
Building a Community in Montecito
The Duchess said she’s become close with other parents in her California neighborhood, often texting classmates’ families to arrange playdates or school events. “People here have embraced us,” she explained.
One parent told People that Meghan recently attended a child’s birthday party where she was “just chilling with other moms” and chatting about everyday life.
A Friendship with Gloria Steinem
During her New York trip, Meghan also made time for an old friend — feminist icon Gloria Steinem.
The pair, who bonded back in 2020 over their shared advocacy for women’s rights, were spotted together again, continuing what Meghan affectionately calls their “sisterhood.”
Meghan looked effortlessly stylish in a stone-colored trench coat with a £525 Gancini belt and dark sunglasses.
She was escorted by her private bodyguard to her waiting Cadillac Escalade SUV, smiling as she climbed in.
Their friendship goes beyond casual meetings — they’ve collaborated on interviews and joint projects supporting women’s empowerment and voting rights in the U.S.
A Red Carpet Moment Turns Awkward
While Meghan appeared radiant on her own in New York, her joint red carpet appearance with Harry days earlier had fans buzzing for a different reason.
The couple attended a gala where they were named Humanitarians of the Year, but a brief, awkward exchange between them quickly made headlines.
At one point, Meghan appeared to subtly ask Harry to move his hand from her back while they posed for photos.
Harry smiled nervously, and though the pair quickly recovered, royal watchers couldn’t help but speculate.
Later footage showed Harry looking rushed as they left the red carpet, with Meghan momentarily lagging behind.
Some claimed he whispered, “Come on now,” as they made their way past photographers.
Meghan’s Message: Grace, Growth, and Real Life
Despite the mixed reactions to her social media posts and public appearances, Meghan remains focused on showing both her glamorous and down-to-earth sides.
Reflecting on her recent ventures, she said she’s grateful for the chance to “learn, make mistakes, and be forgiven.”
“I appreciate everyone who’s given me grace,” she told People. “It’s all part of the learning curve.”
Whether she’s sharing yoga class moments or strolling down a red carpet in Manhattan, Meghan Markle continues to walk that fine line between royal elegance and relatable modern motherhood — even if not everyone buys into it.