A public relations expert has criticised Meghan Markle for a claim she made in a recent interview which has been dubbed as ‘cringeworthy’, as she added it is likely to harm her public reputation.

In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, it was revealed by the journalist that upon entering the house where the interview was taking place, the house manager declared: “Meghan, Duchess of Sussex” - despite it only being the three of them inside. The claim has since caused a stir online, with royal watchers and commentators alike slamming Meghan for the action, with one PR expert now claiming that the announcement could have a detrimental impact on how she is viewed by the public.

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Renae Smith, founder and director of PR firm The Atticism, told the Express that not only was the revelation ‘cringeworthy’, it was ‘painfully performative’ to those who witnessed it.

She told the publication: "That would have been planned. There is no universe in which something like that happens spontaneously. She either agreed to it or requested it. Either way, it is tone deaf.”

She added: “This is the stuff that shapes public opinion of her. Not the cover. From a PR perspective, it is messy (and the cringiest of cringe). And she is consistently messy. Right now she looks confused, reactive and completely disconnected from what actually works for her."

Smith added that in terms of Meghan’s public image: “It’s the inconsistency that hurts her the most.”

The PR expert’s sentiment was echoed by royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, who is also an etiquette expert, as he also confirmed that the announcement was a clear breach in royal protocol.

Mr Fitzwilliams told the Daily Mail the announcement as reported in the interview, “would make a wonderful skit in the South Park series”, adding: “It speaks volumes, in an interview calculated not to offend, about the importance Meghan attaches to her royal status.”

Mr Fitzwilliams explained that the journalist should be announced to her - rather than Meghan being announced to the journalist and “so this breaks protocol”, adding: “It also makes her look silly.”

Guidance from Buckingham Palace and etiquette guide Debrett's suggests that it is the visitor who is normally announced, rather than the Royal Family member. Debrett's adds that introductions to the royals are known as 'presentations', and it is only necessary to state the name of the person to be presented.