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Meghan Markle's surprise reality TV appearance divides fans

It’s not the first place you’d expect a Duchess to pop up but that didn’t seem to deter Meghan Markle who happily made a cameo on US reality TV show America’s Got Talent on Thursday.

The mum-of-one appeared via video during the finale episode to deliver a heartfelt message to contestant Archie Williams who, of course, shares the same name as her 15-month-old son.

Meghan Markle made a surprise reality TV appearance on Thursday. Photo: Fremantle.
Meghan Markle made a surprise reality TV appearance on Thursday. Photo: Fremantle.

“Hi Archie, I just wanted to let you know that we've been so moved by your story and we have been cheering you on every week, and it's not just because we're partial to the name,” a smiley Meghan said from the LA mansion she shares with her husband, Prince Harry.

“So, a very special message to you — that I will probably be saying all of my life, but on this night it is specifically for you — Archie, we are proud of you, and we are rooting for you, and we can't wait to see what you do,” she added.

“We're in your corner! Have a good night,” the Duchess of Sussex concluded.

Singer Archie’s journey to the AGT stage was a harrowing one; he spent 36 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of rape in 1983 only to be released last year after a fingerprint test exonerated him.

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AGT finalist Archie Williams reacts to Meghan's heartfelt message. Photo: Fremantle.
AGT finalist Archie Williams reacts to Meghan's heartfelt message. Photo: Fremantle.

While he didn’t take out the top spot — fellow finalist Brandon Leake won — there’s nothing like an endorsement from one-half of one of the most famous couples in the world.

Meghan’s AGT cameo divides viewers

Naturally, viewers had their own opinions of Meghan’s surprise appearance which they promptly shared on social media.

“Meghan is amazing and always supporting,” wrote an Instagram user in the comments section of her video which the official AGT account had shared.

“Thank you Meghan — just shows you’re real and your love and interest in a touching story such as Archie’s. We need this love in these times,” said another.

Meghan's surprise AGT appearance divided fans. Photo: Instagram.
Meghan's surprise AGT appearance divided fans. Photo: Instagram.
Meghan's surprise AGT appearance divided fans. Photo: Instagram.
Meghan's surprise AGT appearance divided fans. Photo: Instagram.

Archie himself couldn’t contain his excitement at receiving a personal message from the former senior royal.

“I was blown away to learn that you and your family were following my story and rooting for me. You're an inspiration and I will value that moment for life! Thank you,” he wrote on his own Instagram account.

Others were not so on board with the 39-year-old’s cameo, which comes just days after her and Harry’s politically-charged video for TIME magazine.

“The audience appeared lukewarm to her introduction,” pointed out one user.

“She isn’t royal so what’s this about?” asked another.

We can expect to see a lot more of Meghan and Harry in the future considering they recently inked a $130 million mega-deal with Netflix to produce documentaries, films and TV shows for the streaming giant.

At home with the Sussexes

Even though little Archie didn’t join his mum in her video, viewers still got a glimpse inside the luxe LA mega-mansion that his parents bought for a reported $20 million earlier this year.

Meghan donned a tan shirt by Victoria Beckham and what looked to be black leather pants — which were surely faux-leather to fit with her eco-friendly mantra — to deliver her message while seated on a cream coloured couch.

The room had an intimate and cosy feel thanks to the comfy cushions and a collection of coffee table books, candles and a vase of hydrangeas perched on a table int he background.

The Duke and Duchess recently moved into their new nine-bedroom private home in Montecito, California, which they reportedly bought for a jaw-dropping $20.4 million. Prior to that, they were thought to have been staying at producer Tyler Perry’s home in the Beverly Ridge estate gated community since their arrival in LA in March.

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