Prince Harry’s insensitivity to public perception has recently been highlighted by Vanity Fair’s royal correspondent Katie Nicholl. In an interview on Kinsey Schofield’s Heirs and Spares, Nicholl spoke of the growing controversies surrounding Harry and Meghan, particularly since Harry accepted the Pat Tillman Award.
Nicholl described Harry as “a bit tone deaf” to how others perceive him and his actions. She suggested the couple’s self-absorption could be a contributing factor. “I think they’re probably so wrapped up in their own narrative that they find it quite difficult to understand why people are criticising them.” Nicholl explained“They probably find it very difficult to understand why they are so divisive.”
Nicholl warned that this disconnect could have long-term consequences. “I think they sometimes have a tendency to seem a bit deaf to change,” she said before concluding the interview. The controversy over the Pat Tillman Award, which was received by Harryhas exacerbated public criticism.
Many, including the family of Pat Tillman, a former football player who gave up a lucrative sports career to join the military, have expressed disapproval. The backlash included thousands of signatures on petitions demanding a new nominee for the award, highlighting the sensitivity and high stakes of such honors.
Nicholl’s comments and the recent scandal highlight the broader challenges facing Harry and Meghan in aligning their actions with public expectations and sentiments. As the couple navigate their public roles, they may need to address these perception issues to avoid further divisions.