Meghan Markle is facing severe backlash after posting a video of herself tending to chickens in a coop, just hours after King Charles went viral for feeding chickens during his official U.S. visit. Critics have accused the Duchess of Sussex of deliberately trying to upstage the monarch with a copycat moment.
The Chicken Video Controversy
The timing of Meghan's post has sparked intense debate online. King Charles had earlier been photographed and filmed interacting with chickens at a farm in Maryland, part of his diplomatic tour. Within hours, Meghan shared a video on her social media platforms showing her caring for chickens at her Montecito estate. Many interpreted this as a calculated move to divert attention from the King's visit.
Accusations of Upstaging
Royal commentators and social media users were quick to point out the coincidence. Some accused Meghan of attempting to overshadow King Charles' first state visit to the U.S. since ascending the throne. The hashtag #CopycatMarkle trended briefly on X, with users sharing side-by-side comparisons of the two videos. One user wrote, 'She just can't stand anyone else being in the spotlight.' Another commented, 'This is not harmless; it's a deliberate attempt to steal the King's thunder.'
Supporters Defend Meghan
However, Meghan's supporters argue that the backlash is overblown. They point out that Meghan has long been involved in animal welfare and gardening, and the video could simply be a routine post. 'She posted about chickens before; it's not like she invented chicken coops for this occasion,' one fan tweeted. Others noted that the King's visit and Meghan's post occurred on the same day by coincidence, and that the royal family should not monopolize chicken-related content.
Why the Timing Matters
The controversy comes amid ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and the royal family. Meghan and Prince Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and have since been critical of the institution. King Charles' U.S. visit was meant to strengthen diplomatic ties, but the chicken video saga has shifted media focus. Royal experts suggest that any perceived slight against the monarch could further strain relations.
Internet Reaction
The internet has been divided. While some find humor in the situation, others see it as a serious breach of royal protocol. Memes comparing Meghan to a 'chicken copycat' have circulated widely. Meanwhile, some media outlets have questioned whether the controversy is manufactured by anti-Sussex factions. Regardless, the incident has dominated headlines for two days, overshadowing other aspects of the King's visit.
As the debate continues, neither Meghan nor the royal family has issued an official statement. The King's office declined to comment, while a representative for Meghan has not responded to requests for clarification. The chicken video saga serves as yet another example of the complex and often contentious relationship between the Sussexes and the monarchy.
