Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, once celebrated figures in the royal family, have seen a significant decline in their favorability among the American public. This shift has not gone unnoticed by royal experts, who are keen to dissect the reasons behind this change in perception. Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine and author of the royal biography “My Mother & I,” recently shared her insights, revealing a common sentiment among Americans: a sense of disappointment in the couple for their perceived betrayal of the royal family.
Seward noted that during her talks with American audiences, a recurring theme emerges: many express disdain for Harry and Meghan, particularly regarding their departure from royal duties and the subsequent criticisms directed at the monarchy. “They hate that they let the Queen down,” Seward remarked, highlighting a sense of loyalty that many Americans still feel towards the late Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in September 2022. The couple’s decision to abandon their royal lives in the UK in 2020 and relocate to the United States marked a significant turning point in their public image.
The fallout from their move has been compounded by a series of high-profile interviews and projects that have painted the royal family in a negative light. Their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, along with the Netflix docuseries “Harry & Meghan” and Harry’s memoir “Spare,” have all contributed to a narrative that many perceive as disrespectful to the institution that once embraced them. This narrative has not only alienated them from royal supporters but has also led to a broader disinterest among the American public.
Kinsey Schofield, host of the “To Di For Daily” podcast, echoed Seward’s sentiments, stating that Americans have lost interest in Harry and Meghan after realizing they may have overestimated the couple’s appeal. Schofield referenced comments made by Eric Trump, who suggested that Americans simply do not care about Harry anymore. This sentiment reflects a growing disillusionment with the couple, as their initial charm seems to have faded in the eyes of the public.
In Hollywood, the Sussexes are reportedly struggling to maintain their status within the social scene. Publicist Jane Owen noted that despite being given significant opportunities, including a lucrative deal with a major streaming network, Harry and Meghan have not only failed to capitalize on these chances but have actively diminished their standing. Owen likened their situation to that of the unpopular kids in high school, suggesting that their actions have led to a loss of favor among their peers.
The couple’s professional setbacks have also been notable. In 2023, they lost their $20 million deal with Spotify after producing only a handful of podcasts over two years. The show “Archetypes,” which Meghan co-hosted, aimed to explore societal labels that hinder women, but its limited output has been viewed as a failure. Stacy Jones, founder of the LA marketing agency Hollywood Branded, pointed out that the loss of the Spotify deal has had lingering effects, contributing to a decline in their public perception and enthusiasm for their projects.
Despite their struggles, insiders suggest that access to Hollywood events is not an issue for Harry and Meghan. They can still generate buzz and secure invitations to high-profile gatherings. However, the excitement surrounding their presence has notably diminished, indicating a shift in how they are perceived within the entertainment industry. Reports have surfaced that the couple has lost touch with several of their Hollywood friends, including notable figures like Priyanka Chopra and Serena Williams, further isolating them from the very circles they once navigated with ease.
The couple’s relationship with the royal family remains strained, with Harry having renounced his British residency and fully embraced life in the United States. This estrangement has not only affected their ties to the monarchy but has also influenced how they are viewed by the American public. As they continue to navigate their new lives, the question remains whether they can regain the favor they once enjoyed or if their current trajectory will lead to further alienation.
