Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle’s handwritten messages on bananas food parcel for sex workers have been branded “offensive” by one of the intended recipients and most of UK public.
The new mum to be made the decision to write the inspiring messages on the fruit during a visit to Bristol on Friday. The American bDuchesshess used a black marker to write inspirational affirmations such as “be strong” and “you are loved”.
The royal made the impromptu choice to write the kind messages when meeting a former prostitute at a charity helping sex workers get off the streets.
She and husband, Prince Harry had learnt One25 takes them food, condoms, advice and even blankets and hot water bottles.
As they were shown the food bags being prepared in the programme’s kitchen, the Duchess suddenly said: “Oh actually do you have a Sharpie marker? I have an idea.
“I saw this project this woman had started somewhere in the States on a school lunch programme.
“On each of the bananas, she wrote an affirmation, to make the kids feel really, like, empowered. It was the most incredible idea – this small gesture.”
Armed with a marker, and with the words “I am in charge of the banana messaging!” she wrote a series of messages on the bananas destined for the food bags sent out on the outreach van including “You are special”.
However, a sex worker told The Sun that the idea was “really stupid”.
She added: “People out here struggle to eat and sleep and she gifts us some words on a piece of fruit.
“She has the means to help us more than that. It’s offensive, you know.”
But another homeless sex worker, who did not want to be named, said the idea was “really sweet”.
She said: “It’s so cold right now, it’s a struggle to raise money to get a bed for the night, so any food and bedding is a big help.
“I think it’s great Meghan is supporting them. It is really sweet.”
After Meghan had signed the banana, a volunteer said: “I can imagine being on the van, and ‘Meghan wrote this thing, and what?’ I think they might not eat it. I think that banana would be at home until it is rotten. Because I would do the same.
Meghan’s little gesture of caring has been accepted by with mix feelings. The majority believe the writing on bananas is so not appropriate, mostly for sex-worker.
Images:PRESS ASSOCIATION
