Meghan Markle earned standing ovations and cheers after giving her address at the One Young World Event in Manchester, UK.

The event is conducted yearly, and it brings together young leaders to hear talks, network, and attend seminars in order to help them gain skills and knowledge.

The Duchess of Sussex began her speech at Bridgewater Hall by noting how happy she was to be back in the United Kingdom.

Meghan recalled arriving at the event as a counselor in 2014, looked around, wondering how she got there, and stating it was a "pinch me" moment.

The Duchess then formally proclaimed the meeting open at the end of her address before rejoining her royal spouse.

The former actress is visiting Prince Harry's hometown for the first time since Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee.

It was also Meghan Markle's first public statement in the United Kingdom since stepping down from her senior royal position in 2020.

Now, social media is buzzing over her statement, highlighting the ambiguous conditions under which she and her husband departed the UK when they stood down as working royals two years ago.

The Duchess has received a lot of criticism, with some even calling her a "phony."

According to a tweet by royal biographer Angela Levin, "It's totally off putting to hear her first line 'it's very nice to be back in the UK.' What a phony."

Another Twitter user pointed out how the former "Suits" star contradicted herself immediately during the start of her speech.

"Make up your mind woman, happy to leave racist Britain or happy to be back [in] Britain?" they questioned.

But Meghan Markle also received even harsher critics for her speech.

Royal expert Kinsey Schofield slammed what she said in her keynote speech, "Everything she says sounds like it could be seen on a decorative plaque inside a TK Maxx."

Fortunately for Prince Harry's wife, Meghan Markle's choice of words impressed some. They even stood up for her on social media.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry was claimed to be "sitting uncomfortable and uneasy" while his "rock star" wife stole the spotlight.

The Duchess of Sussex arrived down the steps amid the crowd like a rock star, hand in hand with her husband, who gave charming "baby-waves" to royal supporters on the sides, according to body language expert Judi James.

During the ceremony, the Duke was said to have displayed a lot of uneasiness and odd gestures.

She also described Meghan's red Valentino top and matching wide-leg slacks as a symbol of "assurance," "attention-seeking inclinations," "resilience, boldness, and love" during the summit.


READ MORE: Meghan Markle Lied? South African Composer of 'Lion King' Reveals Truth About Duchess' Claims in 'The Cut'

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