Meghan Markle's latest Instagram video shows her describing getting Billie Eilish merchandise for a fan whose house burned down, showing her willingness to return to an issue that conservative Americans had targeted her over.
The Duchess of Sussex used her newly rejuvenated Instagram account to post footage of her unboxing a signed Billie Eilish T-shirt and other merchandise.
The items are destined for a die-hard fan who lost their tour merch before when their home was turned to ashes in the Los Angeles wildfires.
Why It Matters
Meghan's mercy mission comes after a major backlash among conservative American commentators about Meghan and Prince Harry's initial visit to the L.A. wildfires zone in January.
The fact she has returned to the subject in a candid Instagram video speaking directly to her fans suggests a level of confidence in her own ability to weather the storm and find a positive reception for her support despite the criticism.
The video also represents the continuation of a new style of communication for Meghan, who only recently breathed new life into her Instagram account, which lay dormant for years.
What to Know
Meghan dressed down for the selfie video in blue jeans and a black top which bore the names of her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
In the footage, she said: "About two or three weeks ago when my husband and I were in Altadena we went to a community where all the homes were left in ashes.
"This mom had found a couple of things and as I was talking to her I turned and looked and I saw this young woman and I said 'Oh my gosh how old are you?'"
The girl was 15 and her mother told Meghan they had been hoping to retrieve a Billie Eilish tour T-shirt.
"All that she'd been looking for in her home was the T-shirt from the Billie Eilish concert that she had just gone to that she left in the washing machine or the dryer," Meghan continued.
"And of course they now see their home and the washing machine and the dryer are ash…they're not there anymore. And so I said I don't know Billie Eilish but I'm going to figure out how to get you this T-shirt."
Meghan said she sent round a message saying: "Please can someone get this voice note to Billie Eilish? Here's what I'm asking."
She rounded off by saying: "Huge thank you, Billie Eilish, this is going to mean so much to her, and honestly, to Adam Levine and Behati, you guys helped me get this over the line.
"And to everyone who is showing up for people in big and small ways to get through what's happened in California, just thank you so much."
What People Are Saying
Meghan Markle wrote on Instagram: "Let's keep supporting those affected by the California wildfires. Thanks to everyone who made this possible but most importantly, thank you to our first responders who are the community's real heroes. As ever, Meghan."
Megyn Kelly was among conservative commentators who spoke against Meghan's original visit to Altadena: "Megan and Harry these absolute cretins decide to inject themselves into the devastation in Los Angeles for one reason: to get their faces back on camera and to improve their image.
"When you're actually a member of the royal family, Harry, and the British population like answers to you, sort of, they're your subjects.
"Maybe they do need to see you during times of tragedy. You're in America now and we don't give a s*** about you."
Candace Owens said in a past statement to Newsweek: "I agree with the general public sentiment that Meghan and Harry are inauthentic ambulance chasers."
On TikTok she mocked a news report describing how Meghan had lifted the lid off a plastic bin: "She stooped down and she picked up the lid of a plastic bin and that's how I knew my girl was real, and I just want to thank Meghan for doing that. It's very helpful for her to stoop down and do that."
What Happens Next
Time will tell whether Meghan's latest intervention will attract the same backlash as her visit to Altadena.
Jack Royston is chief royal correspondent for Newsweek, based in London. You can find him on X, formerly Twitter, at @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
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