When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved to the US, it felt like a fresh start — no British tabloids, no royal drama. America welcomed them with open arms, curious and excited. But that buzz didn’t last.
Now, it feels like the same country that embraced them is turning its back. So, what went wrong? Let’s break it down.
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American media initially showed strong support
At first, the American media was all in, rallying behind Meghan, the American duchess, and her prince. When Harry and Meghan sat down with Oprah in 2021 and revealed shocking claims about racism and royal family drama, US outlets treated it like breaking news.
Oprah Winfrey’s interview changed everything
That interview shook things up. The Royal Family seemed outdated and disconnected. American media didn’t hold back.
Social media was buzzing with people expressing outrage at the monarchy — figuratively wanting to “burn down” Buckingham Palace.
Vanity Fair went from cheerleader to critic
Fast forward, Vanity Fair’s recent 8,000-word cover story shows just how much has changed.
Once a major supporter, the magazine flipped the script with some sharp criticism.
From ‘Wild About Harry’ to ‘American Hustle’
Harry and Meghan are back on Vanity Fair’s cover for the February 2025 issue, but the vibe is totally different. The headline “American Hustle” says it all.
Anna Peele’s article dives into unflattering details, ranging from mild jabs to harsh critiques.
The Cut shifted its tone too
Before Vanity Fair turned critical, Meghan’s go-to magazine, The Cut, had already started pulling back. In December 2024, they published an article titled “Harry and Meghan’s Projects Can’t Stop Flopping” by Danielle Cohen. The title alone shows how the supportive tone had faded.
Spotify deal didn’t meet expectations
In late 2020, Spotify signed a massive deal with Archewell Audio, Harry and Meghan’s production company — reportedly worth around $20 million. Meghan impressed executives with her pitch and vision. Her podcast Archetypes sounded promising, but things didn’t pan out as expected.
Netflix projects had mixed results
Danielle Cohen from The Cut mentioned Polo, noting she hadn’t watched it but still highlighted it as part of the couple’s struggle to connect with American audiences.
The buzz around their Netflix projects didn’t quite match the actual reception.
Social media shaped public perception
The backlash wasn’t just in the media. People online had strong opinions, with some joking that they were carrying on the spirit of the American Revolution — not literally, but the vibe was intense.
Personal revelations affected public image
In his memoir Spare, Harry opened up about how British tabloids affected his mental health for years. In their Netflix docuseries, both Harry and Meghan expressed frustration.
Harry even blamed the media’s pressure for contributing to Meghan’s miscarriage, saying the stress was overwhelming.
So what’s next for Harry and Meghan?
Harry and Meghan didn’t participate in Vanity Fair’s article and haven’t spoken publicly about it. But according to a source close to them who spoke to The Times, they found it “distressing.”
They’re clearly upset, but what’s next for them remains uncertain.
