Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is set to take part in a panel discussing the representation of women in media at the upcoming South by Southwest (SXSW) conference. This engagement has drawn attention due to allegations suggesting that she and Prince Harry may have funded her keynote speech via their charity, the Archewell Foundation. Critics, including Daily Mail’s Richard Eden and royal editor Rebecca English, have raised concerns about Meghan’s motives, hinting at her intentions to enhance her public profile and relaunch herself in both the UK and the US amidst falling popularity.

The discussions surrounding Meghan’s participation in the panel, which will also feature actress Brooke Shields and author Katie Couric, come as she faces varied challenges, including the legal scrutiny of Prince Harry’s immigration papers by the Department of Homeland Security. This inquiry focuses on potential disclosures relating to Harry’s past drug use.

Amidst these controversies, Meghan has been involved with a report on the portrayal of mothers on television, supported by her Archewell Foundation, the “Rewriting Motherhood” report. This initiative, in collaboration with Moms First and the Geena Davis Institute, aims to address and rectify the gaps in representation of motherhood on TV. The report calls for a deeper, more nuanced depiction of mothers, highlighting discrepancies between television portrayals and the realities faced by mothers daily. Meghan’s engagement with these issues signals her continued commitment to advocacy for women, both behind and in front of the camera, as she prepares for her role at the SXSW conference.

Meghan and Prince Harry currently live in California with their two children, Archie and Princess Lilibet, engaging in various philanthropic efforts through their foundation and other initiatives.