When Meghan Markle launched her As Ever lifestyle channel, many expected a mixture of elegance, health tips, and Hollywood charm. But one recent video has gone viral for reasons Meghan herself probably didn’t anticipate. In the clip, the Duchess of Sussex is seen tending to a lush green garden while wearing a crisp, spotless white shirt — a choice of outfit that immediately drew thousands of amused reactions online.
“She’s gardening in a white shirt? Was there a team who cleaned everything up first and she just showed up to act?” one royal fan wrote, sparking a wave of similar sarcastic comments. The video, which was likely intended to project authenticity and relatability, instead triggered debates about how staged Meghan’s lifestyle content might be.
Viewers were quick to zoom in on small details. Some noted how the tools she held appeared brand-new, without a speck of dirt on them. Others pointed out that her manicured nails and smooth hands showed no signs of the rough work that real gardening usually requires. “It looked more like a magazine shoot than a real-life moment,” another commenter remarked, adding that it felt “a little too polished to be true.”
This isn’t the first time Meghan has been accused of turning everyday life into a performance. Since stepping away from royal duties alongside Prince Harry, she has frequently been criticized for carefully crafting her public image. The As Ever project, meant to showcase lifestyle advice, cooking ideas, and wellness practices, has already been labeled by skeptics as “Hollywood meets fairy tale” rather than genuine content.
Still, there’s no denying Meghan knows how to capture attention. Within hours, the gardening video had been shared across social media platforms, with hashtags like #GardenDrama and #WhiteShirtChallenge trending. Fans, critics, and neutral observers alike couldn’t resist weighing in on whether Meghan was truly getting her hands dirty or just playing the part of a gardener for the camera.
Some supporters rushed to her defense, saying Meghan’s choice of clothing was irrelevant compared to the message she was trying to send about sustainable living and reconnecting with nature. “People will find fault no matter what she does,” one fan argued. “At least she’s promoting a healthier lifestyle.”
Yet, the majority of online chatter remained focused on the visual contrast between Meghan’s flawless outfit and the muddy reality of gardening. A few even joked that perhaps the garden itself had been professionally prepared before Meghan arrived, so all she had to do was smile, pose, and sprinkle a little water.
What makes this moment particularly intriguing is how it once again highlights the unique position Meghan occupies in public life. She’s no longer a working royal, yet her every move is scrutinized as though she still lived within palace walls. Her attempt to establish a modern lifestyle brand carries echoes of her Hollywood past, but also serves as a reminder of the never-ending spotlight she and Harry sought to escape.
Behind the humor and sarcasm, the gardening clip raises deeper questions about authenticity in celebrity culture. Can someone as famous as Meghan Markle ever appear truly “natural” on camera? Or will every action, from cooking a meal to planting a flower, always be seen as part of a carefully choreographed performance?
For now, what’s certain is that Meghan’s white-shirt gardening session has cemented her ability to spark conversations — whether flattering or critical. And while the Duchess may not have gotten a speck of dirt on her shirt, she has once again stirred up plenty of dust in the court of public opinion.
