Recent TikTok videos have sparked a discussion about a particular moment that involved Meghan Markle during the Invictus Games. Lucy Edwards is a British television presenter, disability activist, and creator of the video. It raises concerns about wheelchair users’ autonomy. It is believed that Meghan Markle moved a disabled wheelchair user in an unintentional manner.
In a video posted on Meghan Markle’s and Prince Harry’s Instagram accounts, it appears that the Duchess was gently helping a disabled person into a better position. Edwards and members of the disabled community are concerned about disability awareness after this incident.
Lucy Edwards, in her TikTok clip, has explained, “Did Meghan Markle mean to grab this lady’s wheelchair without her permission? Mobility aids can be seen as an extension to our bodies. Edwards acknowledged that Meghan Markle probably acted in good faith, possibly to make the photo more inclusive. She stresses that it is important to always ask for permission prior to touching or moving someone else’s device.
@lucyedwards Did Meghan Markle mean to grab this lady‘s wheelchair without her permission? This has created a discussion that is very important about the autonomy of disabled people, whether she meant to or not. Since years, we’ve said Just Ask. Don’t Grab. A fantastic. Why do we see this happening? Hashtag created by @GuideDogAvaandAmy. Meghan probably didn’t intend any offence, but she did want to make sure that no one was left out. It’s important to check with someone first before taking a photo. Mobility aids are really an extension of the disabled body. It could be dangerous for me to walk with Miss Molly if someone touches her without permission. We would lose our concentration. Suddenly, if someone grabbed my cane and I couldn’t feel the floor textures that are necessary to help me understand what is going on around me, it could be dangerous. It is rude to touch someone’s chair without permission. The person may not be willing to move in the direction that you are pushing. It’s hard to count the number of times I’ve been pulled over by well-meaning strangers. Often, people are unaware that what they do is wrong. We don’t learn about disability rights at school or in the workplace. Remember that everyone has the right to lead a free and independent life. It’s likely that so many people have done this. Personally, I don’t think I have, but I do make mistakes all the time. We can learn from mistakes to avoid them happening again. What do you think about this? #MeghanMarkle #Invictus #JustAskDontGrab
Edwards is blind and uses an analogy to describe being led without her consent across the road. She explained how such acts of good will can have unintended effects. “All it does is make me feel confused, disorientated, interrupts the conversation… and I don’t really understand why someone has to do it,” highlighting the feeling of undermined independence.
The message in the video is a reflection of disability rights’ emphasis on autonomy, respect, and dignity. The cane, wheelchair or guide dogs are not objects; they’re extensions of an individual’s space and their independence. Disability advocates promote this principle with the hashtag #JustAskDontGrab.
Lucy Edwards’ video is different from Meghan Markle’s, which often receives online criticism. It focuses on disability awareness and proper etiquette. She uses her husband’s audio descriptions to form an analysis that is both a teaching moment and promotes inclusivity.
Edwards says, “Please remember and understand that we have all the right to lead free and independent lives.” He emphasizes that it is important for society to learn from mistakes and become more understanding and inclusive.