Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are once again under the magnifying glass, following a harsh critique published in a prominent American magazine.
The Sussexes are facing a barrage of accusations in Vanity Fair’s recent cover story titled “American Hustle,” which explores their lives five years after their dramatic exit from royal duties.
The piece paints a not-so-flattering picture of their post-royal existence and the dynamics of their working relationships.
While the couple has denied the allegations of distressing workplace behavior, this isn’t the first time a Vanity Fair article has sent shockwaves through the royal establishment.
Back in 2017, Meghan graced the cover of the magazine, celebrating her burgeoning romance with Prince Harry while promoting her hit show, Suits.
The eye-catching headline read, “She’s Just Wild About Harry,” and within its pages, Meghan openly expressed her feelings for the prince.
However, this move raised eyebrows within the Palace, reportedly causing “alarm bells to ring” among royal staff.
According to royal insiders, this candid interview was considered a major breach of protocol.
Unlike Meghan, both Kate Middleton and Princess Diana waited until their engagements were officially confirmed before speaking to the press.
The Palace expected utmost discretion from friends of royals, and Meghan’s interview felt like a stark departure from those expectations.
It was no secret that Palace officials were apprehensive about Meghan’s intentions, fearing she might leverage her relationship with Harry for publicity.
A source from the Palace described the article’s release as akin to “a punch to the solar plexus,” highlighting the unease surrounding Meghan’s openness.
Interestingly, sources have claimed that Meghan herself was unhappy with the 2017 article.
In his book Courtiers, former Times royal correspondent Valentine Low suggests that Meghan was upset with the portrayal of her relationship with Harry, feeling the emphasis was misplaced and overly focused on him.
Furthermore, she reportedly found the headline problematic, even going as far as to label it racially insensitive.
Fast forward to the present, the latest Vanity Fair article has ignited new controversies.
It suggests that Harry’s memoir Spare has strained family relations and even insinuates that Meghan has been “re-parenting” Harry.
The couple is also accused of lacking creative direction in their projects with Netflix and Spotify.
This is not the first time Meghan has faced negative media portrayals; previous articles have dubbed her “Duchess Difficult,” a label that sparked both outrage and support from her staff.
Following those claims, several employees from their team defended Meghan in an interview, suggesting her leadership style and intentions were misrepresented.
Royal sources continue to grapple with the implications of Meghan’s actions, particularly regarding her break from established royal practices.
The candid nature of her early interviews has set a precedent that leaves Palace insiders concerned about future public relations maneuvers by the Sussexes.
Despite the backlash, the Sussexes have steadfastly defended their commitment to their causes and each other.
Their love story continues to captivate audiences, even amidst the swirling rumors and skepticism regarding their motivations and interpersonal dynamics.
Ultimately, the enduring scrutiny faced by Harry and Meghan raises questions not only about the couple’s future but also about how royal protocol can mesh with modern celebrity culture, resulting in a complex narrative that leaves many intrigued and some quite alarmed.
