Prince Harry’s ‘authentic’ personality backfires with Britons, Says Royal Expert
(Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Project Healthy Minds)
Prince Harry, once beloved for his candid and authentic nature, is now facing criticism for the same traits that once endeared him to the public. The Duke of Sussex, 39, who was known for his willingness to speak his mind and his charm, has seen a significant decline in popularity, particularly since stepping down from his role as a senior royal and moving to California with his wife, Meghan Markle. Prince Harry’s ‘authentic’ personality has backfired with Britons, as the qualities that once made him a favorite have now become a source of contention.
Royal expert Victoria Murphy, speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, highlighted the shift in public perception. “I have observed Harry for a long time and I always think Harry was so popular as a working royal for almost the same reason as he’s unpopular now,” Murphy explained. “He doesn’t hold back; he was always, in every situation, you felt he was being very authentic, very honest.”
Murphy noted that while Harry’s openness was once celebrated, it has now become a point of contention. “I think sometimes his PR people were saying ‘that’s enough’ because if you were talking to him, he would just talk and tell you what he thought. I think that’s what people liked about him, but obviously, since he left the Royal Family that has turned some people off,” she added.
Harry and Meghan made headlines when they accused the Royal Family of serious misconduct during their interview with Oprah Winfrey, shortly after moving to Montecito. The couple claimed that Meghan’s mental health had deteriorated due to alleged bullying and a lack of support from the Royal Family. They also alleged that certain members of the family had discussed the potential skin color of their son, Prince Archie.
The Sussexes faced further backlash with the release of their Netflix documentary in 2022 and Harry’s memoir Spare, in which Harry accused his brother, Prince William, of physically attacking him and making disparaging remarks about Meghan.
Despite these tensions, Harry made a transatlantic trip to visit his father, King Charles, following the monarch’s cancer diagnosis. However, the brief 30-minute meeting did little to mend their relationship, and speculation about reconciliation remains uncertain.
Recent events, including Harry’s visit to the UK for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, have done little to bridge the gap. Despite being close to Buckingham Palace, where King Charles was hosting an event, the two did not meet. Reports suggest that Harry declined his father’s offer to stay at a royal residence, further fueling rumors of a strained relationship.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams expressed concerns about the ongoing rift, particularly in light of the Sussexes’ recent CBS interview, which included a clip from their controversial Oprah interview. “The way they are using a clip from an interview which did so much harm to the Royal Family… It doesn’t look like either of them want to bridge that gap or mend that rift,” Fitzwilliams told The Sun.
Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan have continued their work, recently embarking on a “faux-royal” tour in Colombia. The couple has been warmly welcomed, with Meghan scheduled to deliver a speech on “Afro women and power” on the final day of their tour. Despite the success of their engagements, their relationship with the Royal Family remains fraught with tension.
