From her early days in the spotlight to becoming a household name, Meghan Markle has remained a figure of intense fascination and scrutiny. Married to Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, Meghan has become the focus of royal watchers and commentators alike. Among them, journalist and royal expert Tina Brown has delivered some of the most searing criticisms of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Brown, a respected journalist and author of The Diana Chronicles and The Palace Papers, which detail the lives of the British royal family, has expressed her belief that Meghan’s decisions have been misguided. Calling her “flawless at getting it all wrong,” Brown sees Meghan’s influence on Harry as detrimental. In Brown’s words, Harry, who she describes as “a lamb to the slaughter,” followed Meghan blindly in pursuit of freedom, only to find himself alienated from his family and struggling to carve out a role for himself.
This harsh critique is shared by others who point out how Meghan and Harry’s journey has been punctuated by a series of high-profile, and sometimes unsuccessful, ventures. Their departure from the royal family in early 2020, dubbed “Megxit,” was a turning point that was, according to critics, poorly executed. Their decision to relocate to Canada and then the United States to seek “financial independence” was marred by misunderstandings and legal conflicts, sparking a media storm and polarizing public opinion.
However, Harry and Meghan’s post-royal career has been marked by an array of highly publicized deals. Notably, their partnerships with media giants Netflix and Spotify were expected to establish them as significant media influencers. They signed a multi-million dollar deal with Spotify to produce a podcast series, Archetypes, which aimed to address gender stereotypes. However, the series was met with lukewarm reviews, and soon after, Spotify terminated their contract, with one executive allegedly referring to the couple as “shameless grifters.”
In a similar vein, their $100 million contract with Netflix initially appeared promising, allowing them to produce content that aligned with their brand. But their projects haven’t gained the traction they had hoped for. Harry’s forthcoming documentary on the sport of polo has generated little excitement, and Meghan’s proposed cooking show has yet to be scheduled. Despite considerable financial backing, their ventures have struggled to capture the public’s interest, leading some to question their ability to transition into the entertainment world successfully.
On a broader scale, Meghan and Harry’s public image has been shaped by their candid criticisms of the royal family, an institution they accuse of being steeped in outdated traditions and, in some cases, racial bias. Their claims, notably highlighted in the 2021 Oprah interview, painted the British monarchy in an unflattering light, suggesting systemic prejudice and insensitivity. The couple revealed that there had been “concerns” within the family about the potential skin color of their first child, Archie. The resulting media coverage fueled debates about the future of the monarchy and brought increased scrutiny to the royal family’s handling of diversity issues.
Within the British monarchy, Harry and Meghan’s departure and subsequent statements have underscored long-standing divides. The relationship between Harry and his brother, Prince William, is perhaps one of the most strained. William, as the future king, has assumed a more conservative stance, upholding traditional values and royal duties. Meanwhile, Harry’s unconventional path, influenced by his mother, Princess Diana’s compassionate but rebellious spirit, has often clashed with the family’s expectations.
In a recent project, William paid tribute to his mother in a documentary about homelessness, in which he mentioned Harry for the first time in years, indicating a nostalgic but respectful nod to their once-close bond. The inclusion of Harry in William’s tribute to Diana suggests that, despite their differences, there remains a lingering connection rooted in shared memories of their mother.
On the world stage, the dynamics of the British royal family continue to evolve. King Charles III, who became the head of the Commonwealth following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, has emphasized the importance of reflecting on Britain’s historical role in issues such as colonialism and slavery.
While he has acknowledged that these issues cannot be changed, he has committed to fostering dialogue around them. Commonwealth nations, particularly in the Caribbean, have called for reparations, raising challenging questions for the monarchy.
As the head of state, King Charles has limited political power and follows government policy, making it unlikely he will directly address reparations. Instead, he has focused on addressing present-day inequalities, such as education and climate change.
Some critics argue that the Commonwealth, once a symbol of British influence, may have lost its relevance in the modern world. However, others believe it continues to play an essential role, particularly in trade relations with Britain’s former colonies. With Brexit, the hope of enhanced Commonwealth trade relations has become more prominent as the United Kingdom seeks to fill the gap left by its departure from the European Union.
Reflecting on the broader implications of Meghan and Harry’s journey, the intersection of personal freedom and public duty remains complex. By stepping away from the British monarchy, they have attempted to redefine their roles on their terms, moving toward a more independent, albeit challenging, future. Their actions reveal the ways in which modern royalty can choose to engage—or disengage—with traditional institutions, a choice that resonates with many people today.
Despite their setbacks, Harry and Meghan remain cultural figures emblematic of the shifting landscape of monarchy, fame, and influence. They are a reminder that the pressures of public life can either bind families together or pull them apart. The future remains uncertain for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but they continue to capture the world’s attention, for better or worse, as they navigate life outside the royal circle.
