- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited Public School 123, one of the poorest in New York City, in September 2021.
- Meghan, 42, read her picture book The Bench to second-graders while Harry, 39, babysat.
- But advisers from their Archewell foundation demanded the school sign a clause prohibiting anyone from making negative comments, The Sun reports.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were accused of trying to silence teachers and students at a New York school they visited two years ago.
In September 2021, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited Mahalia Jackson Public School 123, which is one of the poorest in New York.
Meghan, 42, wore a $5,000 suit and Cartier jewelry to read her picture book “The Bench” to second-graders while Harry, 39, sat down with the children.
But advisers from their Archewell foundation demanded that the Harlem school sign a clause prohibiting anyone from making negative comments, The Sun reports.
The request also covered any social media posts “now or in the future.” Sources close to the Archewell fund say standard practice was followed.
Prince Harry and Meghan’s visit to Public School 123 was documented in the Netflix series.
The former actress wore a $5,000 suit and Cartier jewelry to visit a school where 95 percent of the children are classified as economically disadvantaged.
Freedom of information requests revealed how the couple’s advisers at Archewell tried to protect their image.
It also highlights how their team banned four British newspapers from attending an event at the World Trade Center, even though the building is government-owned.
Plans for the Sussexes’ trip began six months before the event, and it was organized by Toya Holness, a member of the couple’s PR team.
Archewell representatives emailed the Department of Education three days before visiting Public School 123.
They requested an “appearance waiver” that included a gag clause and asked them to push it through their lawyers.
In another letter, New York schools spokeswoman Danielle Filson asked how best to coordinate everything, but it is unclear whether the Sussexes’ request was signed off.
The parties also exchanged views on the language used in the press release of the Ministry of Education.
Filson wanted to remove the reference to “The Bench” and said, “Just wanted to make it a little less promotional.”
Dailymail.com has contacted the organization and Public School 123 for comment.
The revelation comes after Prince Harry and Meghan made a surprise appearance on Kevin Costner’s One805 Live! benefit for emergency services on Friday.
The couple were joined by their good friends Oprah and Ellen DeGeneres as they took another step into Hollywood royalty.
The fundraising event, where last-chance tables cost $12,000, was held at Costner’s $26 million oceanfront estate in Summerland and featured worthy guests including Katy Perry’s parents.
Harry wore black while Meghan went for a sophisticated and chic look in a monochrome blazer with her hair slicked back for a clean girl look.
Upon arrival, the Duke and Duchess, who had just returned from performing at the Invictus Games in Germany, were spotted backstage chatting with Costner, his VIP guests and senior police and fire officials.
Harry and Meghan were introduced on stage as special guests, with Meghan presenting Kevin with an honorary award and then taking a short stroll in royal style to greet other visitors.
Meghan, who recently pulled the plug on her Archetypes podcast, beamed into the camera throughout the event, while Harry was occasionally caught looking into the distance.
After performing on stage, the couple headed to the VIP area, where pop singer Katy Perry’s mom and dad stopped them and posed for a selfie.