Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex released a video on her birthday joined by actress Melissa McCarthy. The pair exchanged a series of jokes before Meghan announced she was asking 40 of her friends to donate 40 minutes of their time to help mentor women returning to the workforce. Despite her well-meaning intentions, many took to social media to criticise the Duchess and admit they were left baffled by the cheesy suggestion.

       One Twitter page posted the video with the caption: "Meghan Markle puts out this video for her 40th birthday.

       "But how is she qualified to mentor anyone about work?"

       Similar commenters agreed as one wrote: "Someone convinced this poor woman that she actually has fans.

       "It must be bizarre for her to be famous but not have anyone actually really like her."

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       Another sarcastically added: "Rich woman in her multi-million dollar mansion (while a future king is juggling in the background) calling her rich friends if they could spare 40 minutes.

       "40 minutes to help the peasants go back to work, how noble."

       While another wrote: "What is she qualified to mentor, how to find a Prince?

       "How to abandon your own family and destroy your husband's family relationships in one fell swoop?"

       However, some viewers were felt more hopeful at the good the 40x40 initiative could do.

       Some took to praising Meghan and for her dedication to helping others on a day that should be focussed on her.

       One Twitter user wrote: "This is an amazing initiative that aligns with Meghan's ethos of spreading kindness and compassion.

       "While also helping to uplift women and their communities."

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       Another added: "What a lovely initiative.

       "She is always looking for ways to uplift other women.

       "From helping young women get an education to donating food and supplies for homeless mothers and their children."

       Another impressed fan wrote: "I just love how Meghan and Harry continue to use their platform and the global coverage to highlight worthy causes.

       "I hope this gets politicians to push for more help and funding for women to return to the workforce."