On the evening of May 26, 2025, the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles buzzed with the glitz and glamour typical of the American Music Awards (AMAs). The red carpet was a parade of celebrities, but one moment stole the spotlight and ignited a firestorm of debate: as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, approached the entrance, the crowd’s response was not the warm applause one might expect for royalty-turned-Hollywood figures. Instead, loud boos and heckles echoed through the night, captured on camera for the world to see. This chilling reception has sent shockwaves through royal fans, Hollywood insiders, and tabloid media, raising fresh questions about the couple’s standing in the public eye and their complex journey since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.

The 51st Annual American Music Awards promised to be a star-studded affair, celebrating the best in music with performances and appearances from global icons. Harry and Meghan’s decision to attend was seen as a bold move to reassert their presence in American pop culture, particularly after a year of high-profile projects, including Meghan’s Netflix series With Love, Meghan and their renewed partnership with the streaming giant. Dressed impeccably—Meghan in a sleek, emerald-green gown and Harry in a tailored black tuxedo—the couple exuded confidence as their black SUV pulled up to the venue. Yet, the moment they stepped onto the red carpet, the atmosphere shifted. Videos circulating online show a portion of the crowd erupting into boos, with audible shouts of “Go home!” and “You’re not welcome here!” The jeers, though not universal, were loud enough to drown out any cheers, creating a stark contrast to the adulation the couple once commanded.

This moment was more than a fleeting embarrassment; it became a cultural flashpoint, amplifying ongoing debates about Harry and Meghan’s place in the world. Since their departure from royal life, the Sussexes have carved out a new identity in Montecito, California, focusing on media ventures, philanthropy, and their family life with Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 3. Their journey has been polarizing, marked by blockbuster interviews, a Netflix docuseries, and Harry’s memoir Spare, which detailed personal struggles and tensions with the royal family. While these projects have earned them a loyal fanbase, they have also drawn criticism from those who view their public disclosures as disloyal to the monarchy or exploitative of their royal ties. The AMAs incident crystallized these divisions, exposing the couple to a level of public hostility rarely seen since their 2022 appearance at the Platinum Jubilee, where they also faced mixed reactions.

The reasons behind the crowd’s reaction are complex and multifaceted. For some, the boos reflect frustration with what critics perceive as the Sussexes’ attempt to straddle two worlds: maintaining the prestige of their royal titles while pursuing independent, high-profile careers in the U.S. Meghan’s continued use of her “Duchess of Sussex” title, particularly in promotional materials for her lifestyle brand and Netflix projects, has been a point of contention. At the AMAs, her introduction as “HRH The Duchess of Sussex” by an event host reportedly irked some attendees, who saw it as a breach of the 2020 agreement with the royal family, which stipulated that Harry and Meghan would not use their HRH titles in public or commercial contexts. This perceived defiance may have fueled the crowd’s vocal disapproval, with some fans expressing their sentiments on social media platforms like X, where comments ranged from “They’re not royals anymore, stop using the titles!” to “This is what happens when you keep airing family drama.”

Others argue that the heckling was less about titles and more about broader cultural and political divides. Harry and Meghan have positioned themselves as advocates for social justice, mental health, and progressive causes, which resonate with some but alienate others. Their outspokenness on issues like racial equality and media ethics, particularly during their 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview, has made them lightning rods for criticism in certain circles. In the U.S., where political polarization runs deep, their progressive stance may have contributed to the hostility from a segment of the AMAs crowd. One X user speculated, “Meghan’s politics don’t sit well with everyone. This was LA, but not everyone there is a fan.” The incident also coincided with a period of heightened scrutiny for the couple, following reports of strained relations with Hollywood peers and mixed reviews for their recent Netflix polo docuseries, which some critics panned as out-of-touch.

The public’s reaction to the AMAs moment has been as divided as the crowd itself. Supporters of Harry and Meghan were quick to condemn the heckling, describing it as cruel and undeserved. On social media, fans rallied with hashtags like #WeLoveHarryandMeghan, sharing messages of solidarity: “They don’t deserve this hate. They’re trying to live their lives and do good,” one user wrote. Others pointed out the couple’s resilience, noting their composed demeanor despite the boos. Meghan, in particular, was seen smiling and waving, a gesture some interpreted as defiance, others as grace under pressure. Critics, however, seized on the incident as evidence of waning public support, with tabloids running headlines like “Sussexes Shunned in LA” and “Hollywood Turns on Harry and Meghan.” Some commentators suggested that the couple’s decision to attend such a high-profile event was a miscalculation, exposing them to a crowd less sympathetic than their usual circles.

Hollywood insiders have also weighed in, offering insights into the couple’s standing within the entertainment industry. While Harry and Meghan have forged connections with A-listers like Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, and Beyoncé—whose 2025 Cowboy Carter tour they attended—the AMAs incident suggests that their Hollywood journey is not without challenges. Sources close to the industry note that the couple’s projects, while ambitious, have faced hurdles, including the cancellation of Meghan’s Archetypes podcast by Spotify and the lukewarm reception to their polo docuseries. The AMAs boos may reflect a broader sentiment among some in Hollywood who view the Sussexes as outsiders trying to capitalize on their royal status without fully integrating into the industry’s ecosystem. One anonymous producer remarked, “They’re not seen as ‘one of us’ yet. They need to prove themselves beyond the royal drama.”

For Harry and Meghan, the incident raises deeper questions about their future in the public eye. Since moving to the U.S., they have sought to redefine themselves as global philanthropists and media moguls, with their Archewell Foundation supporting causes like mental health and gender equity. However, the AMAs backlash underscores the challenges of transitioning from royal figures to independent celebrities. Their reliance on their royal titles, while a natural part of their identity, continues to provoke controversy, particularly in light of Prince William’s reported warning in August 2025 to cease using HRH designations. The AMAs incident may intensify calls for the couple to clarify their branding, especially as they navigate upcoming projects, including two new Netflix shows on lifestyle and polo.

Despite the hostility, Harry and Meghan’s response to the incident has been one of quiet resilience. Sources close to the couple indicate that they were “disappointed but not surprised” by the reception, viewing it as part of the ongoing scrutiny they face. In a brief Instagram post the following day, Meghan shared a photo from the event, captioning it, “Grateful for the journey, no matter the noise.” The couple reportedly spent the evening mingling with supportive peers, including artists who performed at the AMAs, and left the event hand-in-hand, undeterred by the crowd’s reaction. Their ability to remain composed reflects a lesson learned from years of navigating public criticism, from their royal exit to media storms over their tell-all projects.

The AMAs moment also highlights the broader cultural fascination with Harry and Meghan, whose every move sparks intense debate. For royal fans, the incident is a reminder of the couple’s polarizing status, with some seeing them as victims of unfair treatment and others as architects of their own controversy. For Hollywood, it underscores the challenges of integrating royal prestige into a world that values authenticity and hustle. And for the couple themselves, it serves as a test of their resolve to forge a new path, one that balances their past with their ambitions for the future.

As the dust settles, the 2025 AMAs will likely be remembered not for the music or the awards, but for the moment a royal couple faced the raw edge of public sentiment. Whether this incident marks a turning point for Harry and Meghan or simply another chapter in their tumultuous journey remains to be seen. What is clear is that their place in the world—caught between royalty, celebrity, and advocacy—continues to captivate and divide, making every red-carpet appearance a high-stakes gamble.