Once heralded as the royal couple who would reshape the monarchy, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are now facing growing scrutiny,
particularly in the American media, which once showered them with praise.
Vanity Fair’s recent exposé has revealed a significant shift in the press landscape,
with outlets that were once vocal in their support of the Sussexes now turning their backs on them.
When Harry and Meghan first stepped down from their royal duties and relocated to the United States, they were welcomed as symbols of modernity and progress. Their decision to break free from the rigid constraints of royal life resonated with many, especially in the U.S., where they became darlings of liberal media. They were celebrated as a couple who were ready to speak out against injustice, embrace their independence, and chart their own course.
However, the tide has since turned. Vanity Fair’s recent investigation into their ongoing media troubles highlights the growing resentment and disillusionment that once-loyal outlets now harbor towards them. Media organizations that initially praised their bold move and commitment to social justice have increasingly distanced themselves from the Sussexes, with some even accusing them of hypocrisy and self-serving motives.
In the exposé, several high-profile American media outlets, including The New York Times and CBS News, are revealed to have become critical of the couple, citing their controversial business ventures, the perceived commercialization of their royal image, and their ongoing high-profile interviews that many argue do little to foster understanding or change.
Many Americans once viewed Harry and Meghan as a refreshing alternative to the traditional royal family. Their openness about mental health, racial inequality, and environmental issues earned them widespread admiration. Yet, as time passed, the couple’s public statements and media deals began to raise questions. Critics argue that their constant media presence, combined with lucrative deals with streaming platforms like Netflix and Spotify, paints them as opportunistic figures rather than the agents of change they once claimed to be.
Media figures that once defended the Sussexes are now expressing frustration at what they view as a betrayal of the values they once stood for. “There’s a growing sense that they’ve become more about the spectacle than the substance,” said one senior editor at a leading U.S. newspaper, speaking on condition of anonymity. “They’ve monetized their story, but where’s the message?”
The public’s perception of the couple has also become more complex. While many still sympathize with the couple’s desire for privacy, others have grown weary of the constant media circus surrounding their every move. Even their humanitarian efforts have faced criticism for being overshadowed by their celebrity status.
As the media’s affection fades, the Sussexes find themselves navigating an increasingly hostile press environment. The couple, once darlings of the American public, now stand at the center of a media storm, grappling with the very forces they once sought to challenge.
In light of this new chapter, it’s clear that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relationship with the media is far from straightforward. While their commitment to causes they believe in remains unwavering, their once-celebrated role as anti-establishment figures seems to be eroding as their personal brand continues to evolve in ways that many never anticipated. The question remains: Can they recover the public support that made them icons, or will their once-adoring audience finally turn away for good?
