Polo player Nacho Figueras, a friend of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, has drawn criticism for posting about the Duchess of Sussex's lifestyle brand just hours before Kate Middleton made her first public appearance since announcing her cancer diagnosis. The timing of the post has raised eyebrows, with many accusing Figueras of attempting to overshadow Middleton's return to the spotlight.
Polo player Nacho Figueras, a close acquaintance of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, has found himself embroiled in controversy after posting about the Duchess of Sussex's lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, on his Instagram stories. The incident occurred just hours before Kate Middleton made her first public appearance since revealing her cancer diagnosis, leading to widespread outrage among fans.
Figueras' post featured a photograph of a jar of jam from Markle's brand, prompting accusations that he was attempting to upstage Middleton's return to the public eye. The timing of the post, which appeared in U.K. followers' feeds shortly before the Trooping the Colour ceremony, was deemed highly inappropriate by many.
Nacho Figueras Faces Backlash for Posting Meghan Markle's Brand Amid Kate Middleton's Cancer Battle
Middleton had announced her intention to attend the Trooping the Colour, a public celebration honoring King Charles III's birthday, on Friday, despite continuing her cancer treatment. Her appearance at the event marked her first formal public engagement since Christmas last year.
Fans expressed outrage over the timing of Figueras' post, questioning whether it was intentional or not. "Attempting to upstage Catherine POW whilst she's battling cancer is the lowest of the low & demonstrates a lack of class & integrity," wrote one fan on X.
Nacho Figueras Faces Backlash for Posting Meghan Markle's Brand Amid Kate Middleton's Cancer Battle
Others accused Figueras of sending a "nasty symbolic message" to Middleton. "Not good optics for someone who claims to be a caring charitable man. Not good optics at all," commented another follower.
Some defended Figueras, arguing that posting a picture of jam and biscuits was not inherently disrespectful. "Does anyone think that Nacho Figueras rings up [Kensington Palace] to ask, 'Is Kate coming out today?' before he posts to his social media? Seriously?" questioned one person.
Nacho Figueras Faces Backlash for Posting Meghan Markle's Brand Amid Kate Middleton's Cancer Battle
Representatives for Figueras did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The expired Instagram stories are not the first time Figueras has supported Markle's brand. In April, he posted a photo of himself with Prince Harry and Markle at a polo match, followed by photos of himself enjoying jam from her brand.
Figueras, Prince Harry, and Markle have been friends for years, and Figueras and his wife attended the couple's wedding in 2018. Figueras has spoken highly of his friendship with Harry, describing it as always being in contact and sharing a deep connection.
Nacho Figueras Faces Backlash for Posting Meghan Markle's Brand Amid Kate Middleton's Cancer Battle
Figueras has also supported Prince Harry's involvement with polo, including his upcoming Netflix series about the sport. "It was always Harry's dream and passion to share the world, what it takes to be a really competitive polo player and show polo at the highest level," said Figueras.
The controversy surrounding Figueras' post highlights the intense scrutiny that the royal family and their associates face in the public eye. While Figueras may not have intended to overshadow Middleton's return, the timing of his post has raised concerns about the motives behind it.
Nacho Figueras Faces Backlash for Posting Meghan Markle's Brand Amid Kate Middleton's Cancer Battle
