Meghan Markle’s ‘broken overshadowing pledge’ that left Queen Camilla ‘very upset’

It was no surprise that when Meghan Markle was first introduced to the Royal Family, she seemed to hit it off with Queen Camilla.

The two women shared several common experiences of being outsiders welcomed into the Firm and many believed Camilla could show Prince Harry’s now wife the ropes when it came to royal life. But despite their early bond, it appears that things may have turned sour for the two women – and one major flashpoint came when a move by Meghan that saw her allegedly break a pledge left that is said to have left Camilla very upset.

It came four years ago when the Mirror revealed that Meghan had insisted photos of her at a theatre appeared on the day as the then Duchess of Cornwall gave an important address. Camilla gave a speech on the 10th anniversary of the Women of the World Festival in London which had been nearly a year in the planning.

It was said that Meghan had promised not to overshadow Camilla’s vital campaign against abuse – but then pictures of her on a private visit to the National Theatre were published the very same day as the landmark speech.

Palace officials remained tight-lipped about the row but one well-placed insider said at the time: “Camilla’s work is very important to her and her decision to highlight the scourge of domestic violence at the 10th ­anniversary of Women of the World was a carefully thought-out plan.

Over the last four years, she has worked tirelessly, mostly behind the scenes but to great effect, to use her ­platform and personal experiences to highlight the issue and help sufferers.

Of course, it was known Harry and Meghan would be doing engagements this week, some privately, but everyone was in agreement that Camilla’s speech should take p­recedence. ­Unfortunately some people had other ideas.” The move sparked shock and fury inside the Palace, with insiders revealing how Meghan has “refused to listen” to the pleas of staff

Next week, Camilla will once again be supporting this year’s Women of the World Festival with a special reception at Buckingham Palace. It will see the Women of the World Girls Festival Bus Tour stop by the palace on Tuesday.

Not only will Camilla be on hand to greet, it so will the Duchess of Gloucester as well as Queen Mathilde of Belgium. The trio will board the bus to explore its exhibitions and meet primary school children who have also visited the bus. Also joining them will be Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren as well as Spice Girl Mel B and her eldest daughter Phoenix – and once again Camilla will give a speech to all those invited to the special event.