In a recent episode of the popular adult cartoon South Park, Prince Harry found himself in hot water as the show mercilessly mocked him and his wife Meghan Markle over their controversial exit from the royal family, also known as Megxit.
The satirical episode, titled The Worldwide Privacy Tour, did not explicitly name the couple but featured characters bearing a striking resemblance to the Prince and Princess of Canada, who were depicted seeking privacy while simultaneously craving attention.
The episode kicked off with the news of the Queen of Canada’s demise, leading to the couple’s arrival at a funeral where they were met with disdain from other royals for their perceived disrespect towards the monarchy.
The satirical take on Harry and Meghan’s real-life situation struck a chord with viewers, highlighting the public’s fatigue with the couple’s constant media presence and perceived hypocrisy.
Prince Harry’s reaction to the episode was less than favorable, with reports suggesting that he attempted to have the show blocked by lobbying the producers at MTV studio.
However, his efforts were in vain as the producers refused to entertain his request, signaling a lack of respect for the Prince in light of his actions.
The episode continued to lampoon the couple as they embarked on a worldwide privacy tour, holding signs that humorously mirrored their real-life pleas for privacy amid their high-profile moves to America.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams weighed in on the parody, asserting that the treatment meted out to Harry and Meghan was well-deserved given their public criticisms of the royal family.
Fitzwilliams emphasized that the couple’s constant media appearances and contradictory actions, such as advocating for privacy while engaging in high-profile ventures like a Netflix deal, had eroded their popularity and invited scrutiny.
As the episode unfolded, the parody escalated as the couple relocated to South Park in search of a normal life, only to face backlash from locals, particularly their disgruntled neighbor Kyle.
The satire delved into Meghan’s political aspirations, suggesting that being ridiculed on a popular show like South Park could hinder her ambitions given her associations with prominent political figures.
Amidst the humor and sharp critique, concerns were raised about the potential impact of the parody on the Sussex brand, with experts cautioning against a retaliatory response from Meghan that could further fuel the controversy.
The portrayal of the couple as out-of-touch and self-absorbed on the show underscored the challenges they faced in balancing their public image with their desire for privacy.
Despite the comedic nature of the parody, reports emerged that Harry and Meghan were considering legal action against South Park, reflecting their sensitivity to criticism and penchant for legal recourse.
The prospect of the couple pursuing legal avenues to address the satire drew attention to their previous legal battles and highlighted their aversion to free expression.
Ultimately, the South Park episode served as a scathing commentary on the contradictions and controversies surrounding Harry and Meghan, challenging their self-perception as victims of media intrusion while engaging in high-profile endeavors that invite public scrutiny.
The satire underscored the need to defend the right to satirize public figures, even those as prominent as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, in the face of potential legal threats.