Kate Middleton fans accuse Meghan Markle of ‘trying to upstage’ her with timing of book

A number of Kate Middleton fans have accused Meghan Markle of “trying to upstage” her with the release of her new kids’ book.

It was announced on Tuesday that the Duchess of Sussex has penned a story inspired by Prince Harry and their son Archie, called ‘The Bench’.

Meghan’s fans were quick to get their online pre-orders in ahead of its June 8 release date, but her critics question the timing of its announcement, BristolLive reports.

On Friday the Duchess of Cambridge’s photography book, ‘Hold Still: A Portrait of Our Nation in 2020’, will hit shelves following its publication announcement in March.

Readers will be able to flick through 100 snaps of UK life over lockdown.

One critic said: “And surprise surprise, released just before the Duchess of Cambridge photographic one.”

Another angry Meghan critic tweeted: “So now just as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, has the HOLD STILL book about to be released on May 7, the desperate, despicable MeMeMe! Montecito mum chooses to release a book she wrote in 2019. Connect the dots, people!”

While a third added: “Funny how it’s being advertised now just as the Duchess of Cambridge’s book on the photographs taken by the public during lockdown is due to be released!”

Meghan’s supporters, however, have accused the critics of promoting a hate campaign against the Duchess of Sussex.

They said Meghan is just as entitled to write a book as other members of the Royal Family.

Many also pointed out that the timing of the announcement coincides with Archie’s second birthday tomorrow.

One supporter tweeted: “The Bench is already a #1 Bestseller in less than 24 hrs. Haters, look what y’all helped made possible.”

Meghan and Harry are also expecting their second child, a daughter, in the United States.

Announcing the launch of her book, the Duchess of Sussex said in a statement: “The Bench started as a poem I wrote for my husband on Father’s Day, the month after Archie was born.

“That poem became this story.”

Meghan added: “My hope is that The Bench resonates with every family, no matter the makeup, as much as it does with mine.”

The book’s cover features her royal title, the Duchess of Sussex.

Published by Random House Children’s Books, the picture book has been illustrated by award-winning artist Christian Robinson, and the audiobook is narrated by the Duchess of Sussex.