NEWS FLASH: Meghan Markle’s pal Nacho Figueras faces fierce backlash from royal fans for plugging her new products ahead of Kate Middleton’s Trooping the Color return – as mystery surrounds timing of his PR tease

A friend of Prince Harry’s has faced fierce backlash from royal fans after showing off PR gifts sent by Meghan Markle’s brand American Riviera Orchard on the same day as the Princess of Wales’ return to public life. Professional polo player Nacho Figueras, 47, shared images of jam and dog biscuits, thought to be from the Duchess’ company, via his Instagram Stories on Saturday, just hours before the Royal Family attended Trooping the Color in London.

The timing of his photos has caused outrage amongst royal fans, with the Argentinian’s most recent social media post being inundated with comments declaring him ‘shameful’ and ‘tasteless’. It’s thought Nacho, who appeared to be in New York at the time, posted the pictures showcasing the gifts at around 11pm in the city, and about 4am in the UK, meaning British viewers saw the posts just hours before the King’s birthday parade.

Kate, 42, who has been receiving chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of cancer since February, made a spectacular return to the spotlight during the annual event – marking her first public appearance this year. So for many, Nacho’s post was poor timing, with one person writing in the comments: ‘Shameful what you did… your reputation is over!!’

Another said: ‘What a tasteless gesture to publish content with Harry and Meghan products on the day Kate returns to public life!’ A third added: ‘Disgusting prank to try and upstage Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales. You owe your fans an apology. What a small person you are.

A fourth wrote on X, formerly Twitter: ‘We won’t forget what you did Nacho. Attempting to upstage Catherine whilst she’s battling cancer is the lowest of the low and demonstrates a lack of class and integrity.’ However, despite the many furious remarks, some rushed to support Nacho, with one person writing: ‘Sorry for all the hate comments you’re getting. You’re a great friend to Harry and Meghan.’

Another added: ‘Speechless by reading all these sick comments about a glass of jam. No one here is small and yuck except those people which are full of hatred. Really shocking!’ Nacho is among 50 or so people believed to have received a PR package from the fledgling lifestyle brand soft launched by the Duchess, 42, earlier this year.

An earlier batch of jam, packed in baskets of lemons, is believed to have been sent to some 50 recipients. This is because the handwritten labels on the jars suggested that the batch contained 50 jars, with each one given a number, for example, number 11 of 50.