In what was meant to be a wholesome and down-to-earth moment, Meghan Markle’s latest social media appearance showcasing her homegrown vegetables has sparked a wave of online speculation — and not for the reasons she might have expected.

Earlier this week, the Duchess of Sussex shared a photo of herself carrying a wooden basket filled with fresh produce, captioned with pride about her “garden haul.” The post, released through her new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard, was intended to highlight Meghan’s connection with nature and sustainable living, showcasing her Montecito home garden in California. But eagle-eyed royal fans were quick to point out what they believe is a rather awkward mistake.

The Controversial Vegetable in Question

In the aesthetically curated image, Meghan is seen in casual gardening attire, holding a basket filled with various vegetables — carrots, zucchinis, radishes, and what appeared to be… a lemon cucumber? A potato? Or perhaps, as many speculated, a decorative item?

Within hours, social media was buzzing with debate over one particularly shiny vegetable in the basket. “That’s not a real tomato. That looks plastic,” one user commented on X (formerly Twitter). Others suggested that several of the vegetables appeared “too perfect” to be from a garden.

One fan wrote: “Love Meghan and everything she stands for, but those veggies look straight out of Whole Foods.” Another questioned the authenticity of the photo entirely, commenting, “Has anyone seen a cucumber that color in a home garden?”

Social Media Reacts

As is often the case with royal-related content, the online discussion quickly divided into two camps: those defending Meghan and those doubting her authenticity.

Supporters rushed to her defense, with many pointing out that lemon cucumbers and heirloom varieties often look different from standard grocery store produce. “There are over 100 types of cucumbers, people!” one commenter noted. “Just because you haven’t seen it doesn’t mean it’s fake.”

Others focused on the broader context, reminding critics that even if a vegetable or two came from the store, the larger message of promoting gardening, healthy eating, and sustainable lifestyles still holds value.

However, critics remained skeptical. Some went as far as to analyze the shadows and lighting in the image, suggesting parts of the basket may have been edited. “There’s a weird gloss on one of the radishes. That’s not natural,” claimed another viral post.

A Familiar Pattern?

This isn’t the first time Meghan Markle has faced scrutiny over seemingly minor details. From her baby shower gifts to her wardrobe choices, every move made by the Duchess — especially since stepping back from royal duties with Prince Harry in 2020 — has been under intense public and media scrutiny.

Experts say this latest speculation reflects a broader issue surrounding how public figures, especially female royals or ex-royals, are treated in the media. “There’s an obsession with catching Meghan in a lie or a slip-up, even if it’s about vegetables,” said Dr. Amanda Willis, a media professor specializing in celebrity culture. “The truth is, these speculations say more about the public’s expectations and biases than they do about Meghan herself.”

Branding or Authenticity?

The garden haul photo was also part of a soft promotion for Meghan’s new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, which focuses on home, wellness, and artisanal products. Some critics believe the entire post was crafted more as a branding moment than an authentic glimpse into Meghan’s personal life.

“There’s nothing wrong with promoting a brand,” said PR consultant Jordan Keane. “But when authenticity is part of your core message, any inconsistency — even if unintentional — opens the door for backlash.”

What’s Next?

Neither Meghan Markle nor her team has responded to the controversy, and it’s unlikely they will. The Duchess has remained largely silent in the face of similar internet storms in the past, choosing instead to let her projects and public appearances speak for themselves.

Meanwhile, the buzz around the garden haul continues to grow, with the hashtag #VegetableGate trending across platforms. Whether or not the vegetable was real, one thing is certain: Meghan Markle knows how to stir a conversation — even with a simple basket of greens.

As fans and critics alike continue to debate the authenticity of her produce, the Duchess’s ability to remain a topic of global interest — no matter how mundane the subject — remains undeniable.