Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are once again under scrutiny, with critics accusing them of capitalizing on their ongoing tensions with the British royal family, Today’s Esquire reported. Since stepping down as senior working royals in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have pursued independent ventures, which some believe are fueled by their highly publicized estrangement from the monarchy.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital that the couple has “monetized their rift with the royal family so ruthlessly” that it has affected their credibility among audiences, particularly in the United States.
Meghan and Harry’s Separate Ventures
Since their departure from royal duties, Meghan and Harry have focused on distinct professional paths. Meghan is preparing to launch a new Netflix lifestyle series and brand, aiming to establish herself in the business world. Meanwhile, Harry continues his work with the Invictus Games, a sports event for wounded, injured, and sick service members that he founded in 2014.
Critics argue that their decision to work separately may be a strategic move to help them rebuild trust among audiences, as their previous projects—such as their Netflix documentary and Harry’s memoir Spare—were heavily centered on their grievances with the royal family.
“The problem the Sussexes have is they have monetized their rift with the royal family so ruthlessly and would simply not be trusted by a great many Americans,” Fitzwilliams stated.
How the Royal Rift Unfolded
The couple’s strained relationship with the royal family became public in early 2020 when they announced plans to step back as senior royals. Their decision, which they said was motivated by a desire for financial independence and relief from media scrutiny, followed years of growing tensions within the monarchy.
One of the pivotal moments that fueled their exit was a widely discussed photo featuring Queen Elizabeth II with future heirs Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince George—noticeably excluding Harry. The move reportedly intensified the couple’s feelings of being sidelined within the institution.
Following their departure, the couple moved to North America and settled in California. They later shared details about their experiences in several high-profile projects, including their Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan and Harry’s book Spare. These accounts revealed private disputes with Prince William, alleged instances of racism within the royal family, and deep frustrations with palace officials.
Their decision to publicly air these grievances resulted in the loss of their royal patronages and Harry’s military titles. It also deepened the divide between them and the rest of the royal family, with many in the UK and beyond questioning their motives.
As Meghan and Harry continue their individual projects, speculation remains over whether they will distance themselves from the royal controversy or continue to engage with it as part of their public image.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.