The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have recently been thrust into the limelight, facing accusations of media manipulation and performance. Critics argue that the royal couple has been curating a narrative of their choosing, with some even labeling them as "imposters."
Veteran royal author, Tom Bower, has been particularly vocal in his criticism. "These are two real imposters. What we've witnessed in the past week is absolute media manipulation of the most extraordinary kind," Bower remarked. He pointed to several instances, including the couple's appearance at a Beyoncé concert, which he described as a staged event to capture Meghan hugging Harry. Bower also criticized Prince Harry for his comments on the media's treatment of Afghan victims, terming them as "completely untrue."
The timing of the Sussexes' public appearances has also been a point of contention. They have been accused of scheduling events and appearances to coincide with significant engagements of senior British royals. Bower highlighted Harry's appearance at St George's Chapel, which coincided with a service for members of the late Queen Elizabeth II. He described Harry's entry as "outrageous."
The ongoing Invictus Games in Germany has been another focal point. While the games are a significant initiative championed by Prince Harry to support wounded veterans, Bower feels that the Duke is using the platform to promote himself. "There was Harry, doing commendable work at the Invictus Games, but leveraging these war victims to elevate his image in Dusseldorf," Bower commented.
The media's portrayal of the couple has been mixed. While they have been seen laughing and enjoying each other's company at the Invictus Games, contrasting reports have highlighted the Duke's somber demeanor at other events. Meghan, on the other hand, has faced accusations of creating a false narrative through the press, especially during high-profile public appearances. Bower was particularly critical of the Duchess's comments on the importance of family, given her strained relationship with her father.
Despite the criticism, the Duke and Duchess have continued their public engagements. They are expected to be present throughout the 6th iteration of the Invictus Games, which concludes on September 16.
As the royal couple navigates the challenges of public life and media scrutiny, their relationship with the press remains a topic of intense debate. Whether they are victims of an unforgiving media landscape or architects of their own narrative is a question that continues to divide public opinion.
