Prince Harry is reportedly livid over a fresh wave of malicious rumors dragging his wife, Meghan Markle, into the shadows of Prince Andrew’s infamous scandals. Insiders close to the couple describe the claims – alleging Meghan had a “yacht past” connected to the Duke of York – as the most “vicious and poisonous” attacks they’ve faced to date. These baseless whispers, which have circulated online for years, suggest Meghan was involved in elite “yachting” circles before meeting Harry, potentially crossing paths with Andrew amid his associations with Jeffrey Epstein.

The rumors gained traction again in late 2025, fueled by social media frenzy and sensational YouTube videos claiming “leaked” photos or guest lists. Some posts even speculate wild connections, like Meghan being on a yacht in Phuket, Thailand, in the early 2000s or linked through mutual acquaintances in high-society networks. However, thorough investigations and fact-checks have repeatedly debunked these stories. Photos often cited as “evidence” – showing a brunette woman with Andrew – have been identified as model Alexandra Escat or others, not Meghan. No credible documentation, verified images, or witness accounts place the Duchess in such scenarios.

Royal watchers note that these tales often resurface during periods of heightened scrutiny on Prince Andrew, whose ties to Epstein led to him stepping back from public duties and settling a civil lawsuit. Critics argue the rumors are part of coordinated online harassment campaigns targeting Meghan, amplified by anti-Sussex accounts on platforms like Reddit and X. Supporters of the couple point out the double standards: while Andrew’s controversies are well-documented, attempts to smear Meghan rely on misinformation and misidentified images.

Harry, known for his fierce protectiveness toward his family, is said to view these attacks as crossing a dangerous line, especially as they evoke the toxic media environment that contributed to his mother’s tragic death. Sources claim he’s considering stronger legal action against spreaders of defamation, building on past successes like phone-hacking lawsuits. The Duke has long championed mental health and online safety, highlighting how such “toxic” falsehoods harm individuals and families.

Meghan, meanwhile, continues to focus on her philanthropic work through Archewell, undeterred by the noise. The couple’s life in California with children Archie and Lilibet remains private, but these recurring smears test their resilience. As 2026 begins, observers wonder if Harry will publicly address the issue more directly, perhaps in upcoming projects or statements.

Ultimately, the persistence of these unsubstantiated claims underscores broader issues of cyberbullying and misinformation in the digital age. Fact-checkers emphasize there’s zero evidence linking Meghan to any illicit “yacht” activities or direct ties to Andrew beyond family relations post-marriage. Yet, in the echo chambers of social media, old gossip morphs into “truth,” keeping the Sussexes in the crosshairs. For Harry, defending his wife against what he sees as the ugliest lies yet is non-negotiable – a battle he’s ready to fight head-on.