The half-sister of Meghan Markle has lambasted her sibling’s controversial Remembrance Day photoshoot calling it “gaudy and offensive”.
Samantha Markle has spoken out to trash the pictures released by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex days after they denied claims by critics that it was an ‘attention seeking publicity stunt’.
Twice-divorced Samantha told TalkRADIO: “I think what is most glaring about any Remembrance Day is not only is important to remember those who have sacrificed, but as a reminder that life is precious and short and we should certainly pay gratitude.
“Seize the day, seize the moment, apologise and make good with those who are alive who have given us so much because after all, we are finite.
“I only hope that she would wake up to that but that doesn’t seem to be the case.”
The pictures show Prince Harry and Meghan making a private visit to the Los Angeles National Cemetery where they paid their respects to fallen soldiers to mark the occasion.
Wearing commemorative poppies on their lapels, the couple laid flowers picked from their garden at the graves of two Commonwealth soldiers according to royal biographer Omid Scobie.
The 46-year-old, who has previously publicly slammed her half-sibling, also said she was shocked that Prince Harry and Meghan used “an exploitative photo opportunity” to show their gratitude and called the photos “gaudy”.
She added: “I thought it was not only opportunistic, but I thought it was quite sad that rather than paying true gratitude by continuing the legacy of honour, there would be a photo op.
“It was highly inappropriate.”
Prince Harry served in the British Army for 10 years, rising to the rank of Captain and undertook two tours of Afghanistan.
The Duke has also focused much of his humanitarian efforts on the military community.
Harry reportedly asked for somebody to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph on his behalf but his request was reportedly refused by Palace official because he stepped down from royal duties in March.
The Queen was reportedly not told about her grandson’s request.
The Images of their visit were released by the couple’s office.
A source close to the Sussexes told Harpers Bazaar: “It was important to the Duke and Duchess to be able to personally recognise Remembrance in their own way, to pay tribute to those who have served and to those who gave their lives.”