In a moment that’s sparking major backlash online, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, appeared to take a subtle swipe at modern Girl Scouts during her high-profile appearance at the Sundance Film Festival. While promoting the documentary *Cookie Queens* — which she and Prince Harry are executive producing — Meghan reflected on her own days as a young Girl Scout selling cookies. But her comments about today’s cookie-selling tactics have many questioning whether she’s really celebrating the next generation… or quietly diminishing their hard work.
Speaking to reporters at the premiere of *Cookie Queens*, a film following four ambitious Girl Scouts as they hustle through cookie season, Meghan reminisced about her own experiences. “We didn’t have the same perks and leverage of using social media and Venmo, and QR codes that the girls use these days,” she said with a bright smile. “It was really about a smile and charm and just going door to door.”
On the surface, the remark sounds like innocent nostalgia — a former Scout acknowledging how times have changed. But dig a little deeper, and critics argue it’s a classic case of humblebrag disguised as compliment. By framing modern tools like social media campaigns, Venmo payments, and scannable QR codes as mere “perks and leverage,” Meghan appears to suggest that today’s Girl Scouts aren’t truly earning their impressive sales numbers the old-fashioned way. Instead, they’re relying on easy digital shortcuts that she and her generation never had.
Let’s be real: today’s Girl Scouts are crushing it. Record-breaking troops are selling tens of thousands of boxes, thanks to savvy Instagram reels, TikTok challenges, and cashless payment options that make buying Thin Mints or Samoas as simple as a quick scan or tap. These aren’t handouts — they’re smart, entrepreneurial adaptations to a digital world. Yet Meghan’s wording cleverly positions her own door-to-door era as the purer, more authentic struggle, implying that modern success comes with an unfair advantage rather than superior hustle.
The comment has ignited a firestorm on social media, with royal watchers and Girl Scout alumni calling it out as a veiled put-down. “She’s smiling while saying today’s girls have it easy — that’s shade with extra gloss,” one X user posted, echoing a sentiment that’s spreading fast. Others pointed out the irony: Meghan, now a high-profile producer and podcaster with massive platforms, is the one who benefits most from “social media leverage” in her own career. The same tools she seems to downplay for young Scouts are the ones amplifying her projects like *Cookie Queens*.
Adding fuel to the fire, Meghan also shared that she doesn’t recall her exact cookie sales numbers from back in the day — “but it certainly wasn’t 12,000!” — while praising one modern Scout featured in the film who shattered records. The juxtaposition feels deliberate: elevating the documentary’s subjects while subtly reminding everyone that her own sales were achieved without any of those fancy “perks.”
Of course, supporters rush to defend her, claiming it’s all taken out of context — just a lighthearted observation from someone genuinely passionate about the Girl Scouts. After all, Meghan has long spoken fondly of her time in the organization, even sharing childhood photos in her Girl Scout vest and crediting the experience with teaching her business skills and confidence. Her involvement in *Cookie Queens* shows real support for the program, spotlighting the empowerment and entrepreneurship it fosters in young girls.
But the optics are hard to ignore. In an era where every word from high-profile figures is dissected, Meghan’s sunny delivery doesn’t mask what many see as a backhanded compliment. By smiling through the suggestion that modern Girl Scouts have an easier path to success, she’s unintentionally (or perhaps very intentionally) casting doubt on their achievements. It’s the kind of remark that sounds sweet in the moment but leaves a sour aftertaste.
As *Cookie Queens* gears up for wider release, this controversy could either boost interest in the film or overshadow its positive message about girl power and cookie-fueled ambition. One thing’s for sure: Meghan Markle knows how to stay in the headlines — even when she’s just talking about Thin Mints.
What do you think? Is Meghan paying tribute to her roots, or is this the latest example of her throwing subtle shade? Drop your thoughts below — and maybe grab some cookies while you’re at it. Because whether you side with the Duchess or today’s digital-savvy Scouts, one truth remains: nobody does drama quite like royalty. 🍪👑
