Broadcaster Dee Dee Dunleavy accused Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of timing a publicity stunt to divert attention from King Charles.
The allegation highlights the ongoing tension between the Sussexes and the British royal family, suggesting a deliberate effort to manipulate global media cycles during high-profile diplomatic events.
Dunleavy said the couple released wedding anniversary photos to hijack the spotlight while King Charles was on a state visit to Washington, D.C., in late April 2024 [1, 2]. The timing of the photo release coincided with the King's trip to the U.S., which occurred during celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American independence [2].
Dunleavy questioned whether the timing of the anniversary photos was accidental. "It could be a coincidence, but I don’t think it is," she said [1].
Reports indicate the Sussexes remained over 2,000 miles away from the White House during the visit [3]. While some reports link the timing to the U.S. state visit, other accounts mention a high-profile visit to Northern Ireland [1].
The accusation suggests that the couple sought to draw focus away from the King and Queen Camilla to highlight their own news during a period of intense international scrutiny. This pattern of strategic communication has frequently been a point of contention for royal commentators and the palace alike.
“"It could be a coincidence, but I don’t think it is."”
This dispute underscores the perceived competition for narrative control between the working monarchy and the Sussexes. By allegedly aligning personal milestones with official state business, the couple is accused of utilizing the 'distraction' method to maintain relevance and influence the public perception of the royal hierarchy during critical diplomatic windows.
