Prince Harry and Meghan Markle once captivated audiences in the United States, securing high-profile deals and public admiration. However, five years after they depart from royal duties, their influence is. Once embraced with enthusiasm, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex now face mounting criticism. From strained work projects to declining popularity, their American dream is proving more challenging than expected.
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The Initial Warm Welcome and Growing Discontent
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle relocated to Montecito, California, they were welcomed with open arms. The couple positioned themselves as advocates for change, signing lucrative deals with media giants such as Netflix and Spotify. However, public perception has shifted drastically. The couple’s persistent criticism of the British royal family initially garnered sympathy, but it has led to growing skepticism over time. Though denied by Meghan, allegations of staff mistreatment and unfulfilled work promises have further tarnished their image.
Failed Media Ventures and Industry Backlash
The Sussexes’ professional endeavors have not met expectations. While their Netflix documentary generated initial buzz, subsequent projects, including Polo and With Love, Meghan, have received lackluster responses. Their Spotify deal also collapsed, with a company executive branding them as “grifters,” implying a failure to deliver quality content. As a result, Hollywood insiders have started to distance themselves from the couple.
Why Hollywood Is Losing Interest in Meghan and Harry
According to PR expert Nick Ede, Meghan and Harry’s struggle in Hollywood stems from their perceived lack of credibility During the Channel 5 documentary Harry and Meghan’s American Nightmare, Ede stated that Hollywood’s interest in Meghan and Harry is waning. In the entertainment industry, sustaining relevance demands more than just fame.earn your stripes. It really feels like they haven’t earned those stripes.”
Unlike industry veterans like George Clooney and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who built careers before leveraging their influence for political and social causes, Meghan and Harry have attempted to fast-track their way into power. Ede suggests that their inability to establish themselves as respected figures has led to diminishing interest from both the public and industry professionals.
The Impact of Negative Press
The beginning of 2025 has proven to be particularly challenging for the Sussexes. Vanity Fair, once an ally to the couple, published a scathing 8,000-word article titled American Hustle: Inside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Big Business Ambitions, 5 Years After Their Royal Exit. The exposé detailed claims of difficult workplace behavior, strained relationships with Montecito neighbors, and speculation regarding a potential post-divorce book deal.
The article alleged that Meghan could be “really, really awful” when work-related matters did not go as planned. It also suggested that Harry underestimated the repercussions of his memoir Spare, which reportedly exacerbated tensions with his family. Furthermore, critics argue that the couple’s lack of concrete ideas contributed to the failure of their Netflix and Spotify projects.
Public Response and Sussexes’ Reaction
The Vanity Fair article intensified scrutiny of the Duke and Duchess. Reports indicate that Harry and Meghan were deeply upset by the claims. A source close to the couple labeled the allegations “distressing,” asserting they misrepresented their experiences. Despite their objections, the narrative of their struggles continues to gain traction.
Can Meghan and Harry Salvage Their Reputation?
As Hollywood and the public increasingly scrutinize their actions, Meghan and Harry face an uphill battle to maintain relevance. They may need to shift focus from controversy to meaningful contributions to regain favor. Whether through philanthropic work, successful media ventures, or strategic public relations efforts, the Sussexes must rebuild trust and credibility if they hope to reestablish themselves as influential figures in the United States.
Their journey in America is far from over, but if they wish to maintain their presence, they must redefine their narrative and prove their worth beyond royal controversies.
