It has not been an easy month for Meghan Markle.

On January 8, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed their intentions to step down from their positions as senior Royals in order to spend more time residing in North America and focusing on becoming financially independent.

As a result of the announcement, the couple has become a target of criticism in the press, with UK broadcaster Piers Morgan labeling Meghan as a "ruthless social climber' who has spent her life "using people, moving on and ditching them".

But just when you thought the negative press coverage, leaked messages, and job offers from adult websites would be as bad as it gets, social media users are now criticizing Meghan's parenting after pictures of her emerged of the former Suits star carrying baby Archie "awkwardly".

The photographs were snapped as Meghan, 38, enjoyed a hike with her two dogs. But while walking through the woods situated near the couple's oceanfront home on Canada's Vancouver Island, many people on Twitter weren't impressed with how she was carrying eight-month-old Archie.

Twitter user Lisa Swinny writes: "Poor baby Archie. Looks like he's [holding] on for dear life! I know he’s strapped in, but I’ve never seen a baby just dangling like that...."

And Twitter user Karen Rossiter typed: "Someone please show Meghan Markle how to put poor Archie in the baby carrier - she has no idea".

And Mia Lennon writes: "The right hand strap is falling off her shoulder. Archie is NOT strapped in securely. Unsafe. Someone please teach her before an accident happens."

Despite the criticism, Meghan appeared happy with a beaming smile on her face.

Earlier this month, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a statement to the public expressing their wish for "geographic balance" and more time to launch their "new charitable entity".

Their full statement read:

"After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.

"We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.

"It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.

"We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to the Queen, the Commonwealth and our patronages.

"This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.

"We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties.

"Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support."

Since their original announcement, the Queen has released a statement saying that she is "entirely supportive" of Harry and Meghan's desire for a new life, but "would have preferred" for them to keep their current roles.

Buckingham Palace has also revealed that Meghan and Harry will lose their HRH titles and royal funding from spring.

It has not been an easy month for Meghan Markle.

On January 8, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed their intentions to step down from their positions as senior Royals in order to spend more time residing in North America and focusing on becoming financially independent.

As a result of the announcement, the couple has become a target of criticism in the press, with UK broadcaster Piers Morgan labeling Meghan as a "ruthless social climber' who has spent her life "using people, moving on and ditching them".

But just when you thought the negative press coverage, leaked messages, and job offers from adult websites would be as bad as it gets, social media users are now criticizing Meghan's parenting after pictures of her emerged of the former Suits star carrying baby Archie "awkwardly".

The photographs were snapped as Meghan, 38, enjoyed a hike with her two dogs. But while walking through the woods situated near the couple's oceanfront home on Canada's Vancouver Island, many people on Twitter weren't impressed with how she was carrying eight-month-old Archie.

Twitter user Lisa Swinny writes: "Poor baby Archie. Looks like he's [holding] on for dear life! I know he’s strapped in, but I’ve never seen a baby just dangling like that...."

And Twitter user Karen Rossiter typed: "Someone please show Meghan Markle how to put poor Archie in the baby carrier - she has no idea".

And Mia Lennon writes: "The right hand strap is falling off her shoulder. Archie is NOT strapped in securely. Unsafe. Someone please teach her before an accident happens."

Despite the criticism, Meghan appeared happy with a beaming smile on her face.

Earlier this month, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a statement to the public expressing their wish for "geographic balance" and more time to launch their "new charitable entity".

Their full statement read:

"After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.

"We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.

"It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.

"We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to the Queen, the Commonwealth and our patronages.

"This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.

"We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties.

"Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support."

Since their original announcement, the Queen has released a statement saying that she is "entirely supportive" of Harry and Meghan's desire for a new life, but "would have preferred" for them to keep their current roles.

Buckingham Palace has also revealed that Meghan and Harry will lose their HRH titles and royal funding from spring.