Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s charm appears to be fading in the United States, and one royal expert believes she knows why.
Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, recently told The Standard, “I give a lot of talks to Americans and they all dislike Harry and Meghan. They hate that they let the Queen down.” Seward’s remarks come amid growing discontent towards the couple, who stepped down from their royal duties and relocated to the US in 2020.
The Sussexes’ criticism of the Royal Family
Since then, the Sussexes have made headlines for their outspoken critiques of the royal family, including their explosive 2021 interview with Oprah, their controversial Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, and Harry’s tell-all memoir Spare. The Duke, 40, has since renounced his British residency and declared the US his home, all while maintaining a strained relationship with his family.
Luxury life in Montecito with growing tension
Harry and Meghan now live in a luxurious $14 million mansion in Montecito, California, with their children, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3. But their royal fallout and public outbursts have not earned them the loyalty they might have expected from Americans, according to royal commentator Kinsey Schofield. “We lost interest in Harry and Meghan after realizing we had given them way too much credit over the years,” Schofield said. “Eric Trump had the right idea when he said Americans don’t care about Harry.”
Hollywood’s cool reception
Hollywood’s initial excitement over the Sussexes seems to have soured as well. Publicist Jane Owen noted that the couple “are definitely not doing well in LA’s social scene.” Owen continued, “Quite frankly, they were given every opportunity to shine in Hollywood. They had a huge deal at a top streaming network with a massive budget and an audience eager to listen and watch. But they have done worse than nothing — they have actively destroyed the opportunities they were given. In Hollywood, it’s like high school, and they’ve become the most unpopular kids in school.”
Spotify deal collapse and career setbacks
In 2023, Harry and Meghan’s $20 million Spotify deal fell apart after their company, Archewell Audio, produced only 12 podcasts over two and a half years. “Archetypes,” a podcast hosted and co-produced by Meghan, explored the societal labels that hold women back, but it failed to garner the impact the couple had hoped for.
Struggling to reclaim their place in Hollywood
Stacy Jones, founder of LA marketing agency Hollywood Branded, pointed out that Harry and Meghan’s image has suffered, especially after the Spotify deal fell through. “Losing the Spotify deal lingered into 2024, and without a major win this year, they’ve struggled to regain their footing,” Jones said. “Hollywood operates on trust… but without that excitement, their presence doesn’t generate the same buzz it once did.”
Loss of Hollywood friendships
Insiders have claimed the couple has also seen a shift in their Hollywood friendships. Over the years, they’ve built relationships with high-profile stars such as Priyanka Chopra, Serena Williams, Elton John, and Oprah Winfrey. However, reports suggest that several A-listers have started distancing themselves. Paul Burrell, Princess Diana’s former butler, revealed that “celebrities would rather be associated” with Prince William and Kate Middleton than the Sussexes.
The Sussexes’ diminishing star power
Despite the rocky road ahead, the Sussexes’ ability to garner attention remains undeniable. But, as one royal expert pointed out, the thrill surrounding their presence has significantly waned, leaving them navigating a far cooler reception than when they first arrived in California.
