Meghan Markle has drawn critic!sm for her recent appearance at a Broadway performance in New York City, where she was reportedly accompanied by what some are calling an “excessive” security detail.
The Duchess of Sussex, known for her role in Suits, attended a revival of Gypsy on Thursday night, arriving in a four-car convoy that included three black SUVs and an unmarked NYPD vehicle.
The tight security reportedly involved former Secret Service personnel and two intelligence officers in the police vehicle. According to Page Six, members of the U.S. paparazzi were quick to call the setup “unusually excessive” and “beyond what’s necessary.”
Markle was attending the event solo, as Prince Harry is currently in Ukraine. Prior to the show, she dined at the upscale Polo Bar, owned by designer Ralph Lauren, adding to the air of exclusivity surrounding her evening in Manhattan—a move some critics deemed disconnected from the public.
The scale of the security detail raised questions about whether public resources were used. An unnamed photographer told Page Six, “Meghan is acting excessively, and if the city footed any part of the bill, that’s outrageous. And if the NYPD officers weren’t on duty, they shouldn’t be permitted to use lights and sirens. Someone has to be funding this.”
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Despite the high-security measures, Markle kept a relatively low profile during the show at the Majestic Theatre.
She later went backstage to meet the cast, including celebrated Broadway star and six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald.
Meghan later posted on Instagram about the experience, praising McDonald’s performance. “Meeting @audramcdonald for the first time last night… Her performance will leave you absolutely speechless. Full body chills,” she wrote, adding that the standing ovation “could’ve gone on all night if the theatre hadn’t closed.”
The official Gypsy production Instagram account also acknowledged her visit, sharing, “Thank you for visiting us at the Majestic, @meghan. It was an honour to have you in the audience for #GypsyBway!”
Online reactions to Meghan’s visit were mixed. While many fans applauded her for supporting the arts and uplifting diverse talent on Broadway, others criticized her use of what appeared to be elite-level security, with some questioning the use of police resources.
Social media offered a range of responses, from admiration to skepticism. One supporter wrote, “This is too amazing. Audra and Meghan,” while another added, “So glad that Princess Meghan got to meet the cast & especially Queen Audra.”
As of now, the NYPD has not released a statement, and it’s unclear who paid for the security detail or the involvement of law enforcement.
