Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are reportedly grappling with feelings of betrayal after a new German documentary aired harsh critiques from neighbors, former colleagues, and security officials. The documentary, titled Harry - The Lost Prince, has disrupted a period of relative calm for the Sussexes, exposing them to renewed scrutiny about their personal lives, royal exit, and charitable ventures.
A source close to the couple told OK! Magazine, "Both Meghan and Harry feel the show is yet another one-sided take down of them and just want it all to stop." The source continued, "It's like they can't escape their past and are still being judged on things that happened over five years ago, but they know it gets people talking and makes money."
The documentary, produced by seasoned royal reporter Ulrike Grunewald, features interviews with Montecito neighbors and former Metropolitan Police officials who painted a picture of a couple isolated from their local community. Neighbor Richard Mineards said of Meghan, "I personally don't think that Meghan is an asset to our community... She doesn't really go out or get involved with the community."
This depiction has reportedly hurt Markle, who feels let down by those who chose to speak out rather than offer support. "Meghan feels hurt by a lot of people-but especially her neighbors, who she feels have betrayed her by telling people this, rather than offering friendship and support," the source said.
The Sussexes, who moved to California in 2020 after stepping down as senior royals, have faced challenges in building trust and connections in their new environment. The source added, "Meghan is very wary of getting close to people and trusting them, and this documentary has confirmed she was right."
Their strained ties with the UK remain evident. The couple was evicted from Frogmore Cottage, their former UK residence, in 2023, and relations with the Royal Family appear icy. Compounding the challenges, their once-close friendship with David and Victoria Beckham has reportedly deteriorated. The source noted, "[The documentary], coupled with the fact that their former friends Beckhams were at a state banquet with Charles and Camilla, means that it's been a tough week."
The couple's philanthropic efforts also came under fire in the documentary. Grunewald scrutinized the Sussexes' Archewell Foundation, noting a dramatic decline in donations-from $13 million in 2021 to just $2 million in 2022. She further alleged that Harry and Meghan dedicate only an hour a week to their charitable work.
Adding to the controversy, former Metropolitan Police Chief Dai Davies criticized Harry's revelations in his memoir, Spare, about killing Taliban fighters during his service in Afghanistan. Davies argued that such disclosures could make Harry a potential target and questioned the couple's "carefully orchestrated" foreign trips, such as their recent visit to Colombia.
Despite these challenges, the Sussexes remain committed to protecting their privacy and fostering a close-knit family life. The source emphasized, "Meghan feels very safe when she's at home with Harry, her mum Doria, and the kids. As much as she would like to have a bigger social circle, she knows she can't."
