In a surprising twist that has sparked heated discussions among royal watchers and pet lovers alike, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has reportedly found herself at the center of a peculiar controversy. While navigating the challenges of raising her two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, Meghan has made headlines for her decision to adopt multiple rescue dogs, dedicating significant time and energy to their care. This move has raised eyebrows, with some suggesting that her focus on her furry companions overshadows her parenting responsibilities, fueling a narrative of prioritizing pets over family.

Meghan, a known animal lover, has long championed the cause of pet adoption. Her journey with rescue dogs began well before her royal days, with the adoption of Bogart, a Labrador-shepherd mix, in 2012, followed by Guy, a beagle, in 2015. Both dogs became integral parts of her life, often featured in her social media posts during her acting career. When she moved to the UK to join Prince Harry, Guy accompanied her, while Bogart was rehomed with friends in Canada, a decision that stirred debate among fans who questioned her commitment to her pets.

The couple later adopted Pula, a black Labrador, in 2018, and in 2022, they welcomed Mamma Mia, a seven-year-old beagle rescued from a Virginia breeding facility with a traumatic past. This growing menagerie, now living with the family in their Montecito, California, mansion, has become a focal point of Meghan’s public image as a compassionate advocate for animal welfare.

However, whispers of discontent have emerged, suggesting that Meghan’s dedication to her dogs comes at a cost. Sources close to the Sussexes have claimed that Meghan, now 43, has openly expressed the exhaustion of parenting her two children, aged six and four. Raising young children is no small feat, particularly under the intense scrutiny of global media. Yet, critics argue that her decision to take on the care of multiple rescue dogs—each requiring significant attention, especially those with traumatic backgrounds—seems at odds with her complaints about the demands of motherhood. The time and emotional energy devoted to rehabilitating these animals, some say, might be diverting her focus from Archie and Lilibet, who are at critical stages of their development.

Meghan’s supporters, however, see her pet adoptions as an extension of her empathetic nature. Her choice to adopt older, traumatized dogs like Mamma Mia reflects a deliberate commitment to giving vulnerable animals a second chance. The Beagle Freedom Project, which facilitated Mia’s adoption, praised Meghan and Harry for their hands-on approach, noting that the couple spent time bonding with Mia before bringing her home. This act of compassion aligns with Meghan’s broader advocacy for social justice and animal rights, causes she has championed since her days as a global ambassador for World Vision Canada. Her defenders argue that her ability to juggle parenting and pet care showcases her strength and multitasking skills, dismissing claims of neglect as unfair exaggerations.

The contrast between Meghan’s public persona and the criticisms she faces paints a complex picture. Her Montecito home, a sprawling seven-acre estate, provides ample space for her dogs to roam, chase squirrels, and thrive. Harry has described their pets as “emotional support dogs,” highlighting their role in bringing joy and calm to the family. Yet, the optics of expanding her pet family while vocalizing the challenges of parenting have fueled speculation. Is Meghan using her dogs as a way to cope with the pressures of motherhood, or is she simply following her passion for animal welfare? The narrative is further complicated by her decision to rehome Bogart, a move that some critics cite as evidence of prioritizing convenience over loyalty to her pets.

Public reaction to this story has been polarized. On one hand, animal lovers applaud Meghan’s efforts to shine a light on the plight of rescue dogs, particularly those from abusive environments. Her Instagram posts, including a heartfelt tribute to Guy after his passing in January 2025, resonate with pet owners who understand the deep bond between humans and their animals. On the other hand, detractors argue that her focus on pets, coupled with her complaints about parenting, risks portraying her as out of touch with the realities of balancing family life. The Sussexes’ decision to share glimpses of their dogs in their 2024 Christmas card, alongside their children, suggests an attempt to present a harmonious family unit, but it has done little to quell the controversy.

As Meghan continues to navigate her post-royal life, her choices—whether adopting rescue dogs or managing the demands of motherhood—remain under a microscope. Her commitment to animal welfare is undeniable, yet the perception that she prioritizes her pets over her children has sparked a debate that shows no signs of slowing down. Whether this is a genuine reflection of her priorities or simply a narrative spun by critics, one thing is clear: Meghan Markle’s life, both human and canine, continues to captivate and divide public opinion.