Meghan Markle responds to controversial twerking video after royal fans’ reactions are divided

Meghan Markle’s playful throwback video of her twerking in the birthing suite when her daughter was born may have stirred mixed reactions online, but behind the scenes, her team is calling it a major branding success.

The Duchess of Sussex sparked headlines last week after posting an Instagram reel to celebrate Lilibet’s fourth birthday. The clip, which quickly racked up millions of views, showed Meghan and Prince Harry dancing in a birthing suite to the viral anthem Baby Mama — a light-hearted moment she revealed was part of their effort to bring on labour when their daughter was overdue.

“Four years ago today, this also happened,” she captioned the video.

“Both of our children were a week past their due dates … so when spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didn’t work, there was only one thing left to do!”

While the post drew a mixed response — praised by some for its relatability and criticised by others for oversharing — it achieved what her team reportedly hoped for: widespread attention and a boost in engagement for her newly launched lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, News.com.au reported.

The clip quickly racked up millions of views, sparking both support and mockery in the comments.

“Lovely to see the happy couple welcome their baby in style, I was the exact same right before birth, it helps the baby along,” one user wrote.

But not everyone was impressed: “That is not hilarious. That is CRINGE.”

According to a source close to the Sussexes, Meghan is “very pleased” with the reception, particularly from American audiences.

“In the UK, everyone’s reaction has been a bit prudish, but everywhere else, particularly in America and especially with young people, it has been a huge hit,” the insider told news outlets.

“She and her team count the video as a ‘win’, which can only be a boost for sales. Her new products are marketed at Americans, not at the UK market.”

The video comes amid a noticeable pivot in Meghan’s public presence.

Recently, she’s been sharing more intimate glimpses into her family life — part of a broader strategy to align her personal image with the ethos of American Riviera Orchard, which promotes warmth, connection, and lifestyle inspiration.

In another recent post, Meghan shared a highlight reel of a family trip to Disneyland with Prince Harry, Lilibet, and six-year-old Archie, calling it “two days of pure joy.”

The lifestyle push appears to be expanding.

According to reports, Meghan has filed trademarks for her As Ever brand that cover hospitality services — including hotels, food and drink provisions, and temporary lodging.

It’s a move that echoes her well-known passion for entertaining and hosting, something she referenced in her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, where she said, “When I have someone stay, one of my favourite things to do is prep the guest room.”

Over the weekend, the As Ever Instagram page posted an image of Meghan running through the ocean in a white dress, accompanied by the caption: “So excited for all the good to come! Running into the weekend like 🌊.”

Whether fans are on board or not, Meghan’s recent posts are part of a clearly defined brand play — one that positions her as a relatable, entrepreneurial figure navigating motherhood, marriage, and media on her own terms. And if the numbers are anything to go by, it’s a strategy that’s working.