Queen's ex-chef Darren McGrady launches blistering attack on 'fame-hungry' Meghan Markle and 'airhead' Prince Harry - and claims Princess Diana would have been 'ashamed' of him stepping back

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The Queen's former chef has joined the long list of commentators jumping on the bandwagon to slam the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's move to 'step back' from royal duties. 

Darren McGrady, who spent 15 years in the royal kitchen, cooking for a host of royals, from the Queen to the Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Diana and Princes William and Harry, took to Twitter to share his opinion on the announcement. 

The author, 58, launched a scathing attack on the couple, dragging the late Princess Diana into his reasoning, claiming that Diana previously said Prince Harry, now 35, was 'an airhead like her'.

Although it is not clear whether he has met Meghan Markle, 38, he continued his rant by piling the blame on her and claiming that the Duchess 'only wanted to be famous', though he did not explain how stepping back from the limelight would back this theory up. 

The Queen's former chef has joined the long list of commentators jumping on the bandwagon to slam the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's move to 'step back' from royal duties. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are seen visiting London's Canada House yesterday to thank them

Taking to Twitter, the irate chef wrote: 'Meghan wanted to be famous. Meghan is famous! It's all about Meghan!' 

'People saying Princess Diana would be proud don't know Princess Diana. She would have been furious that Harry had been so manipulated.

'I remember Princess Diana in the kitchen at Kensington Palace talking about 'her boys' ... 'William is deep like his father. Harry is an airhead like me'.

'I guess she nailed it.

'Even in her darkest hour Princess Diana respected The Queen. She would have been so mad with Harry right now.'

Darren McGrady, who spent 15 years in the royal kitchen, cooking for a host of royals, from the Queen to the Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Diana and Princes William and Harry, took to Twitter to share his opinion on the announcement

Although it is not clear whether he has met Meghan Markle, 38, the chef continued his rant by piling the blame on her and claiming that the Duchess 'only wanted to be famous', though he did not explain how stepping back from the limelight would back this theory up

On Wednesday evening the Sussexes took to the Sussex Royal Instagram account to announce the decision that they would be stepping back from royal duties and focus on low-key charity work.

Sharing a picture of their engagement annoucement in November 2017, their statement reads: 'After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. 

'We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.'

It continues: 'It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. 

'This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. 

The author, 58, launched a scathing attack on the couple, dragging the late Princess Diana into his reasoning, which claimed that Diana had said Prince Harry, now 35, was 'an airhead like her'

On Wednesday evening the Sussexes took to the Sussex Royal Instagram account to announce the decision that they would be stepping back from royal duties and focus on low-key charity work

Buckingham Palace later released a statement confirming that discussions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were at an 'early stage'

'We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.” - The Duke and Duchess of Sussex'.

The announcement racked up 1.4 million likes, and 80,000 comments, with some reacting with disappointment, and others with understanding. 

Reacting to the news, mental health writer Matt Haig defended the couple, writing: 'Meghan and Harry [are told that if they] don’t like the attention they should take a back seat. [Then] Meghan and Harry: *take a back seat* [and are told] How dare they take a back seat!'.

Elsewhere another follower wrote: 'Best decision you can make for your family Harry, good on you'.

'Good for them', another said. 'If Princess Diana had done the same thing she'd still be alive. Harry has always been the black sheep of that family, and has always wanted to leave. Well done!'.

Buckingham Palace later released a statement confirming that discussions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were at an 'early stage'. 

Earlier in the day, Meghan was seen wearing her jewellery as she visited Canada House, Trafalgar Square to meet with Ms. Janice Charette, High Commissioner in Canada to the UK and to thank staff for the warm Canadian hospitality and support they received during their recent stay in Canada