Meghan Markle’s Shocking Move on Princess Diana’s Birthday Leaves Prince William and Kate Middleton Fuming
Prince William and Kate Middleton are once again choosing silence over confrontation but insiders say Meghan Markle’s latest move may have pushed things too far.
Just as fans around the world marked the birth anniversary of Princess Diana, Meghan decided to launch her new wine label under the brand American Riviera Orchard. The timing? Critics say it couldn’t have been worse.
According to royal expert Kinsey Schofield, the decision to unveil an alcohol brand on Diana’s birthday struck many as “shockingly tone deaf.” The launch immediately sparked controversy among royal watchers, with many interpreting it as either a slight or a strategic stunt.
While Prince William and Kate have opted not to publicly comment, Schofield revealed they likely weren’t amused. “They’ve been quite good at ignoring the Sussexes,” she told The Sun. “But anything related to Diana remains a tender spot for William.”
That “tender spot” may explain the quiet fury reportedly brewing behind palace walls. For William, who still holds deep reverence for his late mother’s legacy, the optics of releasing wine on her birthday could feel like a personal jab.
But instead of responding with public outrage, the Prince and Princess of Wales are sticking to a long-practiced royal strategy—dignified distance. “They don’t pay much attention to Harry and Meghan anymore,” Schofield explained, noting that the couple’s focus remains on their duties and family.
Yet behind closed doors, there’s a surprising sentiment swirling among royal insiders a reluctant hope for Meghan and Harry’s success.
As shocking as it may seem, members of the Royal Family are said to quietly root for the Sussexes’ business ventures. But don’t mistake it for a show of affection. “It’s all strategy,” Schofield revealed. “If Harry and Meghan are financially secure, the theory is they’ll tone down their attacks on the Firm.”
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have launched multiple projects—from Netflix documentaries to podcast deals, and now lifestyle products under Meghan’s growing brand. While some of those ventures have sparked backlash, others show signs of steady commercial ambition.
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Still, the wine launch’s timing could jeopardize public perception. Critics argue that choosing July 1—the day Diana would have turned 63—was either a stunning oversight or a deliberate marketing ploy. Either way, it didn’t land well with the public or the palace.
Some royal supporters expressed dismay online, calling the move “classless” and “self-centered.” Others questioned if the couple truly understands the emotional impact such dates have on William and the rest of the Royal Family.
Despite the mounting criticism, the Sussexes have remained characteristically quiet. No public statement has been issued in response to the backlash.
Meanwhile, William and Kate continue to distance themselves from the drama. With a renewed focus on Kate’s recovery and William’s increasing royal responsibilities, insiders say the couple has “more important things” to prioritize.
But that doesn’t mean they’re not paying attention while the Waleses may appear unbothered on the surface, those close to them know Diana’s memory is sacred—and any perceived disrespect, intentional or not, cuts deep.
Still, in the ever-complicated game of royal relations, the palace prefers success over scandal. As one insider put it, “If Harry and Meghan can make it on their own terms, maybe they’ll finally stop looking back.”
Until then, every move from Montecito will be watched—if not publicly acknowledged—by the very family they left behind.
