In a move that some royal watchers are calling “too coincidental to ignore,” Meghan Markle has found herself at the center of yet another public debate that has raised questions about her intentions.
Was this a deliberate attempt to overshadow a major royal event or just an unfortunate case of bad timing? While her critics wasted no time accusing her of stealing the limelight, supporters argue that this latest controversy may be much ado about nothing.
However, the timing of the incident reignited old tensions and further exacerbated the already frosty relationship between Meghan and Kate Middleton.
Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle were never particularly close during their time as senior royals. Their already strained relationship soured after they both stepped back from royal duties and publicly criticized the institution through interviews, a Netflix series, and Prince Harry’s memoir. Now reports suggest that their relationship has hit a new low.
Meghan Markle recently faced accusations of trying to overshadow her former royal counterpart. On Saturday, June 15, just hours before the Trooping the Color event, Argentinian polo player Nacho Figueras — a close friend of Meghan and Prince Harry — promoted the Duchess’s new raspberry-flavored jam in an Instagram Story.
The timing of the announcement sparked outrage among royal supporters, who took to social media to express their frustration. One user on X (formerly Twitter) criticized the post, saying: “Trying to steal the spotlight from the royal family,” as quoted by OK! Magazine. Another called it “narcissism at its best”, while a third commented: “Meghan can never outshine Princess Kate, not in the past, not now, not ever.”
Source defends Meghan Markle’s involvement.
Despite the backlash, a source close to Meghan Markle told the Daily Beast that she had no role in the timing of the post.
“While the gift packages probably included notes encouraging social media coverage, you can’t control what Nacho Figueras decides to post or when. The timing seems to have been his decision,” the source explained.
They went on to highlight the success of the campaign: “The American Riviera Orchard campaign was incredibly effective and cost Meghan nothing.”
However, the source also admitted to a lingering problem: “The campaign has been well executed on social media, but it still doesn’t seem like there’s any product to buy. It leaves one wondering – what is the ending here? Maybe we’ll find out soon.”
The ongoing scrutiny surrounding Meghan Markle highlights the complexity of her public image and the polarizing opinions she engenders. While her supporters may see the raspberry-flavored jam campaign as a harmless initiative, others see it as yet another calculated move to overshadow royal events.
The source’s explanation suggests Meghan had no direct involvement in the timing of Nacho Figueras’ post, yet the controversy shows how closely her actions and associations are being watched. As speculation continues, the ultimate purpose of the campaign — and whether it will affect her brand positively or negatively — remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the Duchess of Sus’s every move continues to attract public attention and spark debate.