Meghan Markle accused of 'deliberately' undermining Kate with 'scorched earth' tactics

Meghan Markle is facing fresh backlash after critics accused her of going “scorched earth” with the timing of her latest Netflix announcement.

The Duchess of Sussex has already been under scrutiny for repeatedly unveiling new projects at moments that overlap with major Royal Family events, including her surprise acting comeback and the launch of her As Ever pop-up store, both of which coincided with Prince William’s high-profile trip to Brazil.

Her newest controversy arose when she confirmed the release date of her Netflix festive special.

Although Meghan had previously told the Fortune Most Powerful Women summit that the holiday episode would debut in November, she revealed days ago that it will now drop on December 3.

That week happens to be one of the busiest in the royal calendar: the Royal Family will welcome the President of Germany for a state visit, and Princess Kate will host her annual Together at Christmas carol service on December 5.

Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield told TalkTV: “She told the Fortune Most Powerful Women summit in Washington DC that her holiday special was going to be released in November. And pushing it to December 3, I thought, was intentional because Catherine has her annual Christmas event on December 5.”

TalkTV host Mark Dolan added: “So she moved her event to the same week. That is scorched Earth policy.”

The latest clash has intensified debate among royal watchers, many of whom believe the Duchess is deliberately shadowing or attempting to overshadow royal engagements.

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