Is Meghan Markle the Victim of a Smear Campaign?

The Duchess of Sussex reportedly feels like members of the British press are targeting her unfairly.

A recent surplus of negative stories about Meghan Markle have some wondering whether she is the victim of a smear campaign. 

The Duchess of Sussex reportedly feels like members of the British press are targeting her unfairly, according to Vanity Fair.

Among the string of unflattering stories are reports of a feud between Meghan and her sister-in-law, Kate Middleton. The Daily Telegraph, a British newspaper, recently reported that Kate was left in tears at a dress fitting for Princess Charlotte before Meghan's May wedding to Prince Harry. 

And now, there are claims that Kate reprimanded Meghan after the American actress allegedly snapped at members of Kate's staff. 

It's also being reported that Meghan attracted the royals' ire when she asked for air fresheners to be sprayed in the ancient chapel where she tied the knot with Harry. 

The rumors are so bad that Buckingham Palace took the rare step of issuing a statement about regarding the reported reprimand from Kate, saying succinctly: “This never happened.”

Royal expert Victoria Arbiter told Inside Edition that the sheer number of negative reports is concerning, particularly given Meghan is pregnant with her first child. 

"Given how popular Meghan was, I am surprised that the press have become so negative so quickly," Arbiter said, casting doubts on the veracity of the reports. "Meghan is not throwing temper tantrums, she's just an easy target because she's new and she's popular."

She added: "I think it is tricky that this negative press has come at a time when Meghan is probably feeling quite sensitive and vulnerable."

Former first lady Michelle Obama is offering her own advice to Meghan for dealing with the increased scrutiny.

"Like me, Meghan probably never dreamt that she'd have a life like this, and the pressure you feel — from yourself and from others — can sometimes feel like a lot," she told the January 2019 issue of Good Housekeeping.

"So my biggest piece of advice would be to take some time and don't be in a hurry to do anything."

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