Royal Family LIVE: Meghan Markle goes ‘scorched earth’ in latest broadside against Firm
The Duchess of Sussex has found herself at the center of yet another royal controversy as critics accuse her of deliberately timing major announcements to overshadow key events in the Royal Family’s calendar.
Meghan Markle’s recent strategic moves have been described as “scorched earth” tactics by royal commentators, reigniting tensions between the Sussexes and the Firm.
Timing Raises Eyebrows Across the Atlantic
The former actress-turned-royal has been receiving a barrage of negative press following what many perceive as “intentional” scheduling conflicts with significant royal engagements.
Royal watchers on both sides of the pond have noted a pattern of announcements from the California-based duchess that appear to coincide suspiciously with important moments for the working royals.
Most recently, Meghan’s shock return to acting was unveiled just as senior members of the Royal Family were engaged in high-profile duties. The timing has been characterized by palace insiders as either remarkably unfortunate or deliberately calculated to draw attention away from official royal business.
Royal commentator Helena Chard told Express.co.uk: “The pattern is becoming impossible to ignore. Whether it’s coincidence or strategy, the effect is the same – it divides public attention and creates unnecessary friction.”
The American Riviera Orchard Launch Controversy
The latest flashpoint centers around the launch of Meghan’s lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, which made its debut in its first physical retail location while Prince William was conducting important diplomatic work in Brazil.
The Prince of Wales was in South America for the Earthshot Prize ceremony, a cause close to his heart focused on environmental innovation and sustainability.
The Duchess’s brand, which focuses on artisanal homewares, gourmet foods, and lifestyle products, soft-launched earlier this year through an Instagram account that quickly amassed millions of followers. However, the physical store opening – a significant milestone for any retail venture – was scheduled during William’s high-profile overseas engagement.
Royal biographer Tom Quinn commented: “The timing seems more than coincidental. William’s Brazil trip was months in the planning, and these dates would have been known well in advance in royal circles.”
The American Riviera Orchard brand takes its name from the affluent Santa Barbara area where Harry and Meghan have made their home since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. The venture represents Meghan’s latest entrepreneurial effort following the couple’s lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify.
A Pattern of Conflicting Schedules
This is far from the first instance where Meghan’s announcements have raised eyebrows for their timing. Royal experts have documented several occasions where Sussex news has broken on the same day as significant royal events.
In September, Meghan’s return to acting was announced while King Charles was hosting a major state dinner at Buckingham Palace. The King, who has been balancing his royal duties while undergoing treatment for cancer, was entertaining international dignitaries when news broke of the Duchess’s Hollywood comeback.
Royal author Phil Dampier told the Daily Mail: “It’s becoming a regular occurrence. Every time there’s a major royal event, something from Montecito drops into the news cycle. People are starting to question whether this is deliberate counter-programming.”
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The couple’s Netflix documentary series was released during Catherine, Princess of Wales’s first major tour as Princess of Wales. Their Oprah interview was scheduled while Prince Philip was hospitalized, and their various announcements have repeatedly coincided with jubilees, royal birthdays, and state occasions.
Royal Commentators Weigh In
The reaction from royal commentators has been swift and largely critical. Many have described Meghan’s approach as “scorched earth” – a military term referring to the destruction of anything that might be useful to an enemy.
Kinsey Schofield, host of the To Di For Daily podcast, stated: “Meghan appears to be operating on the principle that she’s going to control her own narrative, regardless of how it affects her husband’s family. It’s a bold strategy, but it’s burning bridges rather than building them.”
Royal editor Richard Eden wrote in the Daily Mail: “The Duchess seems determined to ensure that the Royal Family cannot have a moment in the sun without the Sussex shadow looming over it. Whether this is strategic genius or relationship sabotage remains to be seen.”
However, not all commentators view the situation through the same lens. Some defenders of the Sussexes argue that the British media’s obsession with timing is overblown and that Meghan should be free to conduct her business without having to consult the Court Circular.
American journalist Omid Scobie, who has written extensively about the Sussexes, tweeted: “The idea that Meghan should put her career on hold to avoid ‘clashing’ with royal schedules is absurd. She’s a private citizen building a business.”
The Acting Comeback That Shocked Hollywood
Meghan’s return to acting represents a significant pivot in her post-royal career strategy. Having left Hollywood behind when she married Prince Harry in 2018, the Duchess’s decision to return to her roots has been met with mixed reactions.
Sources close to the production revealed that Meghan has been cast in a limited series for a major streaming platform, marking her first scripted role since her departure from the legal drama “Suits.” The project, details of which remain closely guarded, is said to be a prestige drama that could position her for awards consideration.
Industry insiders have suggested that the role represents a carefully calculated move to re-establish her credentials as a serious actress, rather than simply being known as the Duchess of Sussex or a former royal.
Hollywood producer Jonathan Shalit told Variety: “Meghan was always a talented actress. If she’s choosing the right project, this could be a genuine comeback rather than a vanity exercise. But the timing of the announcement – that’s a PR decision that’s raised questions.”
American Riviera Orchard: Building an Empire
The American Riviera Orchard brand represents Meghan’s most ambitious business venture to date. Trademarked in multiple categories, the brand encompasses everything from cookbooks and tableware to jams, preserves, and home fragrances.
The first physical retail location, which opened in an upscale Southern California shopping district, features carefully curated products that reflect Meghan’s aesthetic – a blend of California casual and refined elegance. Early visitors have reported that the store embodies the same polished, Instagram-ready appeal that characterized her former lifestyle blog, The Tig.
Brand strategist Sarah Delaney explained: “Meghan is clearly positioning herself in the Gwyneth Paltrow space – lifestyle guru for aspirational consumers. The question is whether the royal association helps or hinders that positioning.”
Initial product offerings include organic preserves with price points ranging from $25 to $50, handcrafted ceramics priced between $75 and $200, and limited-edition collaborations with artisan producers. The premium pricing has drawn both praise and criticism, with supporters citing quality craftsmanship and detractors questioning the value proposition.
The Relationship with the Royal Family
The ongoing tension between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family has been well-documented since their explosive departure from royal duties in 2020. The couple’s interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which they made serious allegations about racism and lack of support within the institution, created a rift that has yet to heal.
Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare,” released in January 2023, further strained relationships with its candid revelations about private family matters. The book’s publication resulted in what sources described as a “complete breakdown” in communication between Harry and his father, King Charles, as well as his brother, Prince William.
Recent reports suggest that King Charles has made attempts to reconcile with his younger son, particularly given his health challenges. However, sources close to the Palace indicate that William remains deeply hurt and unlikely to extend an olive branch in the near future.
Royal historian Dr. Ed Owens told the BBC: “The monarchy has weathered many family feuds throughout history, but this one is particularly challenging because it’s playing out in real-time across global media platforms. Every announcement, every perceived slight, becomes international news.”
Public Opinion Divided
Public opinion on both sides of the Atlantic remains sharply divided on the Sussex question. In the United Kingdom, polling consistently shows that Meghan ranks among the least popular members of the Royal Family, with approval ratings hovering around 25-30 percent according to YouGov surveys.
In the United States, the picture is more complex. While Meghan enjoys stronger support among younger Americans and those who identify as liberal, overall approval ratings have declined from their peak in 2020. A recent Newsweek poll found that 44 percent of Americans view her favorably, down from 55 percent three years ago.
The generational divide is particularly stark. Among Americans aged 18-34, Meghan maintains approval ratings above 60 percent, with many viewing her as a victim of tabloid racism and institutional prejudice. However, among those over 55, approval drops to around 30 percent, with this demographic more likely to view her actions as disrespectful to tradition and family.
British journalist Piers Morgan, a vocal critic of the Duchess, stated on his show: “The British public has seen through the carefully crafted PR image. They recognize someone who claims to want privacy while courting publicity at every turn.”
Conversely, author Omid Scobie defended the Duchess: “Meghan has been subjected to a level of scrutiny and hostility that no other royal bride has faced in modern times. The criticism of her business timing is just another example of the impossible standards she’s held to.”
The Business Strategy Behind the Timing
Marketing experts have offered insights into whether the timing of Meghan’s announcements might serve a legitimate business purpose beyond simply antagonizing the Royal Family.
PR consultant Mark Borkowski explained to Forbes: “In the attention economy, timing is everything. If Meghan’s team is strategic, they’re looking at the media landscape and identifying moments when they can break through the noise. Royal events generate massive media attention – piggybacking on that attention is Marketing 101.”
This perspective suggests that rather than deliberately trying to overshadow royal events out of spite, the Sussex team might be capitalizing on periods when royal coverage is at its peak, ensuring their announcements receive maximum visibility.
However, crisis management expert Jonathan Bernstein cautioned: “If this is the strategy, it’s extremely short-sighted. You might win the news cycle, but you lose the long-term relationship war. The constant perception of conflict undermines credibility and creates fatigue among the public.”
What This Means for the Future
As the Royal Family navigates this ongoing challenge, questions remain about whether reconciliation is possible or even desired by either party. King Charles, who has expressed a desire to have a relationship with his grandchildren Archie and Lilibet, faces the delicate balance of maintaining family ties while protecting the institution of the monarchy.
Prince William, now heir to the throne, has reportedly taken a harder line, viewing the repeated timing conflicts as evidence of continued disrespect. Sources suggest he has advised his father to maintain a dignified silence rather than engage with what he perceives as attention-seeking behavior.
The late Queen Elizabeth II’s approach of “never complain, never explain” appears to be the strategy the Palace has adopted in response to Sussex announcements. Official responses have been minimal, with the Royal Family choosing to focus on their duties rather than engage in public disputes.
Royal correspondent Jennie Bond commented: “The Palace has learned that responding only fuels the story. By staying silent and continuing with the work, they’re hoping to demonstrate that the monarchy is bigger than any individual controversy.”
Conclusion
The latest accusations that Meghan Markle has gone “scorched earth” with her timing of announcements represent another chapter in the ongoing saga between the Sussexes and the Royal Family.
Whether these scheduling conflicts are deliberate strategy, unfortunate coincidence, or simply the result of two separate entities operating in the same media space remains a matter of interpretation.
What is clear is that the relationship between Harry and Meghan and the rest of the Royal Family remains fraught, with little sign of imminent reconciliation. As Meghan continues to build her business empire and potentially return to acting, and as the Royal Family focuses on King Charles’s reign and preparations for William’s eventual ascension, the competing narratives seem destined to continue colliding.
For royal watchers and news enthusiasts, the drama shows no signs of abating, ensuring that the House of Windsor remains one of the most compelling ongoing stories in modern media.
This article includes analysis from multiple royal commentators and industry experts. The Royal Family has not officially commented on the timing of the Duchess of Sussex’s business announcements.