Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were once seen as the perfect blend of royalty and Hollywood glamour. But now, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex find themselves on the fringes of both worlds. With failed deals, strained royal relationships, and cooling public interest, their fairytale seems to be unraveling in America.
From Public Sympathy to Public Fatigue
When Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020, the world was captivated. Their dramatic Oprah interview in 2021 painted them as victims of a rigid royal system, earning them global sympathy. But years later, Americans are growing tired of the same grievances being aired again and again.
“They keep repeating the same drama,” said a royal insider. “At first, people admired their courage. Now, it just feels like they’re dragging the royal family through the mud.”
Their criticism of the late Queen Elizabeth II has also left a bad taste in many mouths. “Americans feel they let the Queen down,” said Ingrid Seward, editor of Majesty Magazine. “She was beloved here, and their actions haven’t reflected well on them.”
Hollywood Turns Cold
Harry and Meghan’s move to Montecito, California, came with high expectations. They secured massive deals, including a $20 million Spotify contract and a multi-million-dollar Netflix series. But the excitement didn’t last.
Spotify ended their deal in 2023 after Meghan’s podcast, Archetypes, failed to deliver. “They’re like the most unpopular kids in school now,” said publicist Jane Owen. “Hollywood expected blockbuster content, but they didn’t deliver.”
Even in social circles, the couple reportedly struggles to fit in. Despite their $14 million mansion and A-list connections, insiders claim they’re seen as “outsiders” in LA’s elite scene.
Strained Royal Ties Still Haunt Them
The couple’s ongoing feud with the royal family continues to overshadow their attempts at building a new identity. Harry’s memoir Spare and their Netflix series highlighted their grievances, but many Americans now see it as “airing dirty laundry.”
Even Eric Trump, son of former President Donald Trump, weighed in, saying, “Americans don’t care about Harry anymore.”
Hollywood Missteps and Missed Opportunities
The Sussexes’ Hollywood journey started with so much promise, but their inability to connect with audiences has left industry insiders questioning their strategy:
- Spotify Failure: Meghan’s podcast, Archetypes, promised deep conversations but failed to keep listeners engaged.
- Netflix Pressure: While their Netflix docuseries drew initial attention, it didn’t have the long-term impact Netflix had hoped for.
- Missed Social Connections: Despite proximity to Hollywood elites, insiders say the couple hasn’t built strong relationships within the industry.
Can Harry and Meghan Make a Comeback?
Despite setbacks, the Sussexes still have opportunities to reinvent themselves. Their Netflix deal remains active, and with the right project, they could regain favor. But for that, they need a dramatic shift in strategy.
“They need to stop focusing on victimhood and start creating something meaningful,” said a Hollywood marketing executive. “People want to root for them, but they need to give us a reason.”
A Glamorous Cautionary Tale
Harry and Meghan’s story serves as a reminder that fame, even royal fame, can fade. Their journey from adored royals to Hollywood outsiders shows how quickly public sentiment can change.
Will they rewrite their narrative or fade further into irrelevance? For now, the spotlight remains dimmer than they may have expected.
Sources
- Photo Cover: M. Doucette Production, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Ingrid Seward, Majesty Magazine
- Hollywood insider interviews via To Di For Daily Podcast
- Spotify Deal Insights, 2023 Termination Announcement