Meghan Markle faced criticism after a video showed her moving a woman’s wheelchair during an event at the Invictus Games in Canada. The video, which Meghan shared on Instagram, showed her talking to Team Canada athletes when she appeared to adjust the woman’s position while she was in the middle of a conversation. Some people felt this was disrespectful because mobility aids, like wheelchairs, are part of a disabled person’s independence. Markle visited victims of the Los Angeles fire recently.
British TV presenter Lucy Edwards, who is blind and an advocate for disabled rights, talked about this in a TikTok video. She explained that people should always ask before touching someone’s wheelchair, guide dog, or cane. Even though Meghan may have meant well—perhaps trying to include the woman in a group photo—Edwards pointed out that many disabled people have had similar experiences where others, even with good intentions, take control of their mobility without asking.
However, the woman in the wheelchair, Adria Brochu, later spoke up, saying that Meghan was very kind and only helped adjust her wheelchair for a picture. She said she was comfortable with what happened and was disappointed that the moment was taken out of context.
Other people at the event also defended Meghan, saying Team Canada athletes were happy to meet her and Prince Harry. Nick Booth, who works with a group supporting Canadian military families, said the situation was being misrepresented.
Meghan often faces online criticism, and this incident sparked a bigger discussion about how to properly interact with people who use mobility aids. Edwards reminded people that everyone makes mistakes but should learn from them and be more respectful in the future.
