The decision by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to step back from royal duties and relocate to the United States has been revisited in a Vanity Fair article that highlights ten key ways their transition has faced challenges.
Over the past five years, the Sussexes have attracted significant scrutiny as they’ve shared insights into their lives as royals through interviews, documentaries, and Harry’s memoir, Spare. However, questions have surfaced about their long-term plans, especially once their stories about the Royal Family are exhausted.
The couple initially secured lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify, but their output has been mixed. Notably, Meghan’s Archetypes podcast, which aimed to tackle female stereotypes, produced just one season before its cancellation. The article delves into several contentious moments and decisions that have defined the Sussexes’ time in the U.S., including accusations of bullying, business missteps, and public perceptions.
Allegations of Bullying
Meghan has faced allegations of bullying staff, though she has consistently denied them. Vanity Fair cites unnamed sources claiming that some employees experienced significant strain while working with Meghan, with one taking a leave of absence after contributing to Archetypes. Others reportedly sought therapy or left their jobs entirely.
Local Reputation
Since purchasing a Montecito mansion in 2020, Harry and Meghan haven’t won over all their neighbors. A local resident referred to them as “the prince and the starlet,” while others have labeled them “local villains,” accusing them of drawing unwanted visitors to the area. Even the local steakhouse, Lucky’s, has reportedly become harder to book since the couple’s arrival.
Questions About Archetypes
The article claims Archetypes was not Meghan’s original idea but instead came from an employee, though the intellectual property remained with Archewell Audio. Delays in production reportedly forced Spotify’s studio Gimlet to step in, suggesting issues with execution.
Harry’s Changing Role
According to a source, Meghan has taken on a “caregiver and facilitator” role in their relationship, which some have described as “reparenting” Harry. The insider claimed that Harry has changed significantly, becoming less eager to engage with the media since his marriage.
Misjudging the Impact of Spare
Harry’s memoir, Spare, generated significant controversy, especially with its revelations about royal tensions. Vanity Fair suggests Harry underestimated the fallout from the book, particularly the power of his written words to influence public opinion during an already tense period with the Royal Family.
Criticism of Public Image
A local resident described the couple as “the most entitled, disingenuous people on the planet,” pointing out the irony in their decision to leave the UK to avoid media scrutiny while seemingly courting media attention in the U.S.
Curtseying Claims
Fashion commentator Tom Fitzgerald expressed skepticism about Meghan’s claim that she was unprepared for royal protocols, such as curtseying to the Queen. He questioned how someone as detail-oriented as Meghan would not research royal customs before meeting the family.
Monetization Efforts
Meghan’s attempt to brand Santa Barbara as the “American Riviera Orchard” faced criticism, with locals dismissing the term as unfamiliar and labeling her approach as opportunistic.
Lack of Creative Direction
Despite securing significant deals, Vanity Fair claims the Sussexes struggled to deliver impactful content. A former employee suggested they lacked clear ideas, noting that while they wanted to tackle big themes, they had no concrete concepts to back them up.
Harry’s Disengagement
A former Spotify employee alleged that Harry seemed disengaged during a job interview for the platform, giving off an attitude of “why should I do this.” The insider speculated that Harry would prefer not to deal with financial matters, leaving that responsibility to Meghan.
Despite their initial promise of a new life in the U.S., the article portrays the Sussexes as grappling with creative, professional, and personal challenges in their post-royal chapter. Their story remains a topic of fascination and controversy as they navigate the complexities of their chosen path.