Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, once hailed as the fresh faces of a modern monarchy, are now facing intense scrutiny from royal experts who claim that their public image is increasingly inauthentic and "staged."
The criticism comes in the wake of the couple's recent four-day tour of Colombia, which some have labeled a "faux-royal" tour. According to royal author Robert Jobson, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have lost their way and are struggling to present themselves genuinely to the public.
Jobson, speaking on The Sun's Royal Exclusive show, was candid in his assessment of the couple's public appearances. "They don't come across as particularly authentic," he remarked. He went on to describe their efforts as "fast and loose with the truth," dismissing much of their high-profile Netflix documentary, Harry & Meghan, as "complete baloney."
The couple's recent tour of Colombia was meant to showcase their ongoing commitment to humanitarian causes. They visited several cities, including Bogota, Cartagena de Indias, and Cali, engaging in activities that mixed elements of politics with charity work. However, Jobson argued that the Sussexes' efforts appeared more like a staged attempt to mimic the royal tours they left behind in the U.K.
"If Meghan and Harry wanted to do 'quasi-royal tours,' why not stick around and do it properly?" he questioned. "Then they would have been doing it for the King and the country, which is what Harry always bangs on about."
The royal expert's critique didn't stop at their public engagements. He pointed out that the couple's frequent changes of outfit during their tour further undermined their authenticity, suggesting that their focus on appearances detracted from the substance of their work. "Just do things that are authentic, and just do things that are real rather than staged with loads of outfit changes," Jobson advised.
This wave of criticism also comes at a time when the couple is reportedly struggling behind the scenes. The recent departure of their chief-of-staff, Josh Kettler, after just three months, has fueled speculation about instability within their team. Kettler, a veteran PR expert, was supposed to guide Harry through the next phase of his public life, but his abrupt exit has raised questions about the couple's direction and leadership.
Adding to the couple's challenges is a growing sentiment that Harry is increasingly isolated and disconnected from his old life in Britain. A close friend of Harry's, speaking to The Times, revealed that the Duke of Sussex misses the admiration and love he once received in the U.K. "He's an angry boy. Things haven't turned out how he wanted," the friend said. The same source suggested that Harry longs for the days when he was "top of the pops" in the U.K., much like his brother Prince William and sister-in-law, Princess Kate.
The strained relationship between Harry and his brother William has been well-documented, with reports indicating that the two have barely spoken since their grandmother Queen Elizabeth II's funeral. Harry's brief visit to the U.K. for the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games earlier this year did nothing to bridge the gap; he reportedly declined to meet with either King Charles or William during his stay.
Jobson's suggestion that the Sussexes need to reassess their approach comes as they continue to face challenges in their new life in the United States. Despite their high-profile projects, including Harry's explosive memoir Spare and their Netflix documentary, the couple has been criticized for lacking authenticity and for seemingly trying to "cash in" on their royal connections. As Jobson noted, "I think they could just do some real work in America maybe and people will start to believe you."
