Prince Harry and Meghan Markle enter 2024 at what royal commentators describe as their "lowest point" in over a decade, following a series of setbacks in 2023 that have left their public image and professional ventures in a precarious state. Key events of the past year have positioned the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at a crossroads, demanding substantial effort to recalibrate their public persona and career trajectory.
The couple's challenges in 2023 included the rumored fallout with David and Victoria Beckham and jabs at the Golden Globes, which compounded the difficulty of navigating their post-royal life. Their loss of a $20 million deal with Spotify, following the underwhelming response to Markle's podcast 'Archetypes', marked a significant blow to their media endeavors.
Another controversial moment was the release of Omid Scobie's book 'Endgame', which reignited negative headlines. The book, particularly its Dutch edition, caused a stir by alleging that members of the royal family questioned the skin color of Prince Archie prior to his birth, a claim Harry and Meghan did not publicly address.
Mark Boardman, a royal commentator, emphasized the crucial nature of 2024 for the couple, stating, "The couple are fraught with many crucial decisions with no way out if they choose to focus in a particular direction, and they have another failure on their hands."
Despite these setbacks, Harry and Meghan remain committed to their $100 million Netflix deal, which runs until 2025. Additionally, Harry still holds a lucrative publishing deal, and Meghan, known for her role in 'Suits', is part of the roster at the talent agency WME. However, there have been no major project announcements for nearly a year since her signing with the agency.
Their strained family relations, particularly with their parents, add to the complexities of their situation. According to Boardman, their relations are "possibly at the lowest point we've seen in a decade."
The couple's journey in 2024 is not just about personal recovery but also about navigating the intricate dynamics of public perception, media engagement, and professional resurgence.
Their choices and actions in the coming months will be crucial in determining whether they can regain footing and make a significant comeback or continue to face challenges. The year ahead promises to be a defining period for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as they strive to reshape their narrative and reaffirm their roles on the global stage.
