2023 unfolded as a tumultuous chapter in the lives of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, casting a shadow over their post-royal ambitions and branding them as "biggest losers" in a scathing Hollywood critique. Yet, amidst this storm, the couple is reportedly setting their sights on 2024 as their year of redemption, planning a strategic comeback in the heart of Los Angeles.
The year began on a contentious note with the release of Harry's memoir, "Spare," which stirred controversy with its candid revelations, including pointed remarks about Queen Camilla. The couple's uneasy relationship with the royal family was further spotlighted during King Charles III's coronation, with Harry attending briefly and Meghan absent altogether. This period also saw them entangled in a "near catastrophic car chase" in Manhattan, leading to widespread debate over their claims and the response from public figures and authorities.
The most significant blows to their public image and financial prospects came mid-year when Spotify severed ties with them, canceling their lucrative contract due to underwhelming content delivery. An executive from the company reportedly labeled them as "grifters," intensifying the scrutiny and skepticism surrounding their ventures. Moreover, their only major joint appearance at the Invictus Games attracted criticism, signaling a waning interest from both the media and the public.
The Hollywood Reporter's branding of the Sussexes as the year's "biggest losers" encapsulated the sentiment of their dwindling star power, pointing to their failed projects and the scathing 'South Park' parody as indicators of their falling grace. This portrayal paints a picture of a couple at a crossroads, with their narrative of victimhood and defiance seemingly wearing thin in the face of continuous public and industry backlash.
Despite the setbacks, sources close to the couple maintain that Harry and Meghan are undeterred and optimistic about the future. They reportedly view 2024 as their moment to pivot and reclaim their narrative. With Meghan's new representation under WME and potential projects like a Suits spin-off cameo on the horizon, there's a sense that they're recalibrating their strategy to align more closely with their strengths and public interests.
Meghan, particularly, is said to be focusing on her Archewell Foundation, ensuring that her professional endeavors resonate with the organization's mission. The possibility of reviving her popular blog, The Tig, is also being explored as a platform to reconnect with her audience on her terms. Harry, while distancing himself from royal narratives, is believed to have much more to share, indicating that their story is far from over.
As the Sussexes navigate this critical juncture, their journey is a testament to the unpredictable nature of public life and the challenges of maintaining relevance and sympathy in an ever-changing media landscape. Their move to Los Angeles signifies more than a change of location; it represents a strategic repositioning in anticipation of crafting a new chapter, one where they hope to rise from the ashes of a year marked by disappointment and criticism.
