Since their dramatic exit from the British Royal Family, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have stirred a whirlwind of opinions across the United States.
Niall Gardner, director of the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at the Heritage Foundation, recently shared insights about how the couple’s actions have created a divided response among Americans.
His comments, made during an interview with GB News, highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the Sussexes and their public criticisms of the monarchy.
Harry and Meghan, who tied the knot in a stunning ceremony at Windsor Castle in 2018, stepped back from their royal duties in January 2020.
Shortly thereafter, they relocated to California, Meghan’s home state, bringing along their then five-month-old son, Archie.
This move, often referred to as “Megxit,” was touted by the couple as a chance to seek independence and pursue philanthropic endeavors outside royal constraints.
They later welcomed a daughter, Princess Lilibet, in June 2021, further expanding their family in the Golden State.
However, their reception in the U.S. has not been uniformly warm.
Gardner pointed out that many Americans hold the British Royal Family in high regard, particularly the late Queen Elizabeth II, whose legacy resonates deeply with the American public.
Despite this admiration for the monarchy, it appears that Harry and Meghan’s candid critiques have failed to garner similar respect, leading to a notable disconnect.
One of the most significant moments that fueled this divide was the couple’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021.
During this televised conversation, Meghan made several eye-opening claims, including an incident involving her sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, which contradicted earlier media narratives.
Perhaps the most shocking revelation was regarding concerns raised by an unnamed royal about the skin color of their unborn child, Archie.
This bombshell left audiences reeling and ignited further discussions about race and privilege within the royal context.
Following the Oprah interview, the Sussexes continued to capture headlines with their Netflix documentary series and Harry’s memoir, “Spare.”
These projects aimed to provide a deeper understanding of their experiences within the royal family, especially Harry’s struggles with his mother’s death and the relentless media scrutiny.
Yet, Gardner argues that instead of generating sympathy, their revelations have been met with skepticism, as many Americans still hold the monarchy in high esteem.
Gardner emphasized that the Sussexes’ narrative clashes with the affection many Americans feel toward the royal family.
He noted that their persistent criticisms seem ill-timed and disrespectful to an institution that many view with admiration.
The perception of Harry and Meghan as self-centered individuals, fixated on disparaging the royal family, has gained traction among certain segments of the American populace.
The media landscape in the U.S. reflects this division.
While some commentators praise Harry and Meghan for their openness about mental health and social issues, others criticize their focus on personal grievances.
This mixed reception complicates the couple’s efforts to reshape their public image, as they navigate the complexities of American opinion.
Their Netflix series provided a more intimate look at their life in California, but reactions were mixed.
Critics argued that it reinforced the notion of a couple consumed by their grievances, while supporters viewed it as a necessary context for understanding their departure from royal duties.
Similarly, Harry’s memoir attracted significant attention, becoming a bestseller, yet its personal revelations sparked debates about the appropriateness of airing royal family drama in public.
As the rift between Harry and his family appears to widen, the couple’s absence from key royal events, including King Charles III’s coronation, has only intensified speculation about their strained relationships.
Reports of discord with Prince William, next in line for the throne, further add to the narrative of family estrangement.
Gardner’s remarks come at a critical juncture for Harry and Meghan, who once enjoyed immense public interest and lucrative media deals after stepping back from royal obligations.
However, their recent projects haven’t all received the acclaim they anticipated, reflecting a complicated relationship with the American audience.
Looking ahead, it remains unclear whether the Sussexes will reconcile with the British Royal Family or continue their independent journey.
For now, they find themselves in a challenging position, navigating a landscape where admiration for the monarchy coexists with questions about their intentions and motivations.
As the public continues to weigh in on this saga, the future of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remains uncertain.
Their story is one of contrasts—between royal tradition and modernity, admiration and disdain, connection and estrangement.
The world watches closely, eager to see how this chapter unfolds.
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