Prince Harry, once beloved for his candid and authentic character, is now facing criticism for the very traits that once endeared him to the public. The 39-year-old Duke of Sussex, known for his willingness to speak his mind and his charm, has seen a significant decline in popularity, especially since he stepped down as a senior royal and moved to California with his wife, Meghan Markle. Prince Harry’s “authentic” persona has backfired on Britons, as the qualities that once made him a favorite have now become a bone of contention.
Royal expert Victoria Murphy, speaking about The exclusive royal show of the Sun, The shift in public perception was highlighted. “I’ve watched Harry for a long time and I’ve always thought that Harry was so popular as a working royal for almost the same reason that he’s unpopular now,” Murphy explained. “He doesn’t hold back; always, in every situation, you felt he was being very authentic, very honest.”
Murphy noted that while Harry’s outspokenness was once celebrated, it has now become a point of contention. “I think sometimes his PR people would say ‘enough is enough’ because if you spoke to him, he would just speak up and tell you what he thought. I think that’s what people liked about him, but obviously since he left the Royal Family that has put some people off,” she added.
Harry and Meghan made headlines when they accused the Royal Family of serious misconduct during their interview with Oprah Winfrey, shortly after moving to Montecito. The couple claimed that Meghan’s mental health had deteriorated due to alleged bullying and lack of support from the Royal Family. They also claimed that certain members of the family had spoken about the possible skin colour of their son, Prince Archie.
The Sussex faced further backlash with the release of their Netflix Documentary in 2022 and Harry’s memories Replacementin which Harry accused his brother, Prince William, of physically attacking him and making disparaging comments about Meghan.
Despite these tensions, Harry made a transatlantic trip to visit his father, King Charles, following the monarch’s cancer diagnosis. However, the brief 30-minute meeting did little to improve their relationship and speculation about a reconciliation remains uncertain.
Recent events, including Harry’s visit to the UK for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, have done little to bridge the gap. Despite being close to Buckingham Palace, where King Charles was hosting an event, the two have not met. Reports suggest Harry turned down his father’s offer to stay at a royal residence, further fuelling rumours of a strained relationship.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams expressed concern about the ongoing rift, particularly in light of the Sussexes’ recent interview on CBS, which included a clip from their controversial interview with Oprah. “The way they’re using a clip from an interview that did so much damage to the Royal Family… It doesn’t seem like either of them want to bridge that gap or repair that rift,” Fitzwilliams said. The sun.
Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan have continued with their work and recently embarked on a “faux royal” tour in Colombia. The couple have been warmly received and Meghan is scheduled to give a speech on “Black Women and Power” on the final day of their tour. Despite the success of their engagements, their relationship with the Royal Family remains fraught with tension.
