Meghan Markle was dragged into a TV debate over who became the "first black woman to be married into an aristocratic family".
The Hayu programme, titled Ladies of London: The New Reign, featured designer Lottie Kane, who made pointed remarks about the Duchess of Sussex when discussing Lady Emma Thynn, who married Ceawlin Thynn, 8th Marquess of Bath, in 2013.
Speaking about Lady Emma Thynn, Ms Kane said: "She is the first black woman to be married into an aristocratic family, and I think Meghan Markle tries to claim that, but it was actually Emma."
Meghan, 44, has never publicly made this claim, contrary to Ms Kane's remarks.
Meghan Markle defended after duchess dragged into TV debate over ‘first black aristocrat’
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Viewers took to social media following the episode's broadcast, with many defending the Duchess of Sussex.
One fan wrote: "She (Lady Emma) also experienced extreme racism, with her husband's family refusing to attend the wedding and saying she will ruin the bloodline, but yet instead of aligning with Meghan’s experiences, she is here throwing shade. Disappointing tbh (to be honest)."
Another commenter wrote: "People continue to obsess over Meghan."
Similarly, someone suggested the mention was strategic, posting: "Of course, they think if they mention Meghan it will give them more traction."
A third viewer observed: "Watching #LadiesOfLondon and they threw some shade at Meghan Markle."
Emma Weymouth discussed her heritage on the programme
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Lady Emma Thynn, The Marchioness of Bath, joined the rebooted show alongside Princess Beatrice's stepson's mother, Dara Huang and former Made in Chelsea personality Mark-Francis Vandelli.
She became Marchioness of Bath following the death of her father-in-law, Alexander Thynn, in 2020.
The marchioness addressed her background directly on the programme, describing herself as being "of mixed heritage, half-Nigerian, half-English."
Reflecting on media coverage surrounding her position, Lady Emma noted: "The press commented heavily on the fact that I was going to become the first woman of colour to hold this title, and I acknowledge the fact that... the only woman of colour in this position is me, still to this day."
Lottie Kane made pointed remarks about Meghan on the show
|HAYU
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Emma Weymouth and Ceawlin Thynn married in 2013
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In a 2021 Tatler interview, Lady Emma expressed that she does not wish her skin colour to be a "defining characteristic."
The marchioness oversees Longleat House, an Elizabethan stately home constructed in 1518 that she describes as officially the largest residence in Britain.
The 10,000-acre estate houses an extensive collection, including artwork, antiques and approximately 44,000 books.
Lady Emma divides her time between the property and London, where her children attend school. Her husband, Ceawlin Thynn, holds the title of 8th Marquess of Bath.
Fellow cast member Mr Vandelli offered warm praise for Lady Emma on the programme, calling her "the embodiment of the modern aristocrat" who is "cool" and "trendy" whilst carrying "with great grace, the weight of being one of Britain's most important aristocrats."