[News] Meghan Markle dealt new blow as birthday poem she appealed to fans to share is ‘shared only 200 times’

Meghan Markle turned 40 on August 4 and, to mark the occasion, she posted a birthday poem on social media.

The Duchess of Sussex appealed to fans to upload her poem but 24 hours after it was released, only 200 people posted it permanently on Instagram, according to reports.

The Sun writes that Meghan, now 40, released a comedy video for her big day to launch a new initiative she dubbed 40×40.

In a statement on the Archewell website, Meghan requested just one birthday gift from her fans.  She asked followers to share a readymade Instagram post with the hashtags #40×40 and #CompassionInAction.

The artwork for the poem reads: “For women who give everything, we give our time. Are you in?”

The site also made the share easier with a suggestion caption for people to use if they wished.

The caption reads: “To celebrate The Duchess of Sussex’s 40th birthday, I am devoting 40 minutes of mentorship or service to a cause I care about.

“Please join me in donating your time. Together, we can contribute to a global wave of compassion and positive change.”

The Sun analysed Instagram posts in the first 24 hours after the video release and claims only 217 public posts sharing the poem used the #40×40 hashtag.

The analysis did not include Twitter posts or private shares, as well as Instagram stories that were already set to disappear and were non-permanent.