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Leading royal author Tom Bower claims Meghan Markle sought to deliberately clash with Princess Catherine of Wales when deciding on dates of events and announcements. In his explosive new book, 'Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family', Mr Bower claims Meghan carefully thought about how to promote her Netflix show, 'With Love, Meghan'.

The author writes, in an extract serialised by the Times: "While deciding on the launch date of Netflix's trailer for her new series, and before announcing the Harper's interview, Meghan's publicists spotted that Kate would be attending the Royal Variety Performance in London on November 19.

"A clash, but also perhaps perfect timing. For Meghan... in the days before Christmas was make or break. If all those carefully organised events failed to relaunch her in 2026, the Sussexes' future would become bleak."

Meghan Markle was slammed for trying to steal Princess Catherine's "thunder" after a diary clash last year.

The Duchess of Sussex shared a new trailer for her Christmas special on Netflix just as the Prince and Princess of Wales were out in London, attending the Royal Variety Performance on November 19 which even featured a Prince Harry cameo.

It showed Meghan in Montecito, California, as she shared how she likes to make this time with family and friends especially memorable and meaningful. The show included multiple celebrity guests.

In addition, the holiday show was launched on December 3, on the same day that German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier began his state visit to the UK, and just two days before Princess Catherine's Christmas Carol Concert at Westminster Abbey on December 5.

Previously speaking of the diary clash, the Daily Mail's Sara Vine said: "Some people have pointed out that it's perhaps not exactly a coincidence that this trailer has been released on the same evening that the Prince and Princess of Wales are appearing at the Royal Variety Show at the Royal Albert Hall.

"I can't imagine what they are trying to imply. And besides, when has Meghan ever tried to steal her sister-in-law's thunder?"

'With Love, Meghan' has not announced any further airing dates following the holiday episode on December 3.

Meanwhile, the Royal Family continued with their planned duties. Looking stunning at the Royal Variety event in central London, Princess Catherine wore a wonderfully festive emerald green gown and Prince William wore a black velvet tuxedo for the occasion.

Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family by Tom Bower will be published on March 26.