Meghan Markle Makes Solo Chicago Trip for Godson’s Communion ― and the Timing Raises Eyebrows
Fans react as Meghan Markle attends a First Communion in the Midwest while the elite gather in NYC for the 2026 Met Gala.
Meghan Markle’s recent solo outing has once again landed her in the spotlight — and the resulting headlines are far from favorable. Over the weekend, the Duchess of Sussex made a rare appearance in Chicago, attending the First Communion of her godson, whose mother is one of her closest friends from her time at Northwestern University. Although the trip was intended as a private homecoming to the city where she pursued theatre and international studies from 1999 to 2003 — the timing of this specific appearance has prompted a surge of internet speculation — with fans calling it a PR stunt rather than a sentimental visit.
The Duchess was spotted at Holy Name Cathedral on May 2, where a source for PEOPLE noted that she waited alongside other families and friends, keeping a low profile to bypass the usual royal fanfare. A picture of Markle was later posted by journalist Natalie Martinez, where she was captured wearing an elegant beige turtle neck, smiling brightly as the procession of children moved past her pew. While the visit served as a touching tribute to her college friendships, royal watchers were quick to note that it perfectly aligned with one of the most significant fashion events of the year — the Met Gala. As the Hollywood elite gathered in New York for pre-gala celebrations led by Jeff Bezos and Anna Wintour, the Duchess’s presence in the Midwest became a major talking point for critics.
On Reddit, skeptics suggested the trip served as a convenient ‘opt-out’ for an event she may not have been invited to. “The Met Gala is tomorrow, and we know Meghan hasn't been invited,” one user speculated, stating, “The Bezos's had a pre-Met gala party last night and Kris Jenner, Anna Wintour, and Serena Williams, to name three, were there. No Meghan. I think she needs to make out that this is more important and the reason she won't be in NY.” Echoing the same sentiment, a second netizen added, “The Gala is technically tomorrow night, but all the pre-parties are happening tonight, so you’re probably right she’s trying to cook up something.” A third was even more blunt with their assessment, sneering, “Oh, she needed something new as an excuse for the PR pieces that say she was invited but decided not to attend because no one believes her security excuses.”
The debate continued to gain momentum on X, with the Duchess’s real motivations being thoroughly picked apart by the online community. Detractors were quick to challenge the validity of her friendship, questioning, “Meghan is now the Godmother to some alleged new best friend from Northwestern?.... This alleged friend was nowhere to be found at her 2018 wedding.” While another individual remarked, “It just shows the extremes she'll go to just for some publicity.” Despite the online chatter, the Duchess is back in Montecito, preparing for a major family milestone on the horizon — Prince Archie’s 7th birthday on May 6.
