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Royal Expert Warns Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: Audiences Growing Weary
Royal correspondent Katie Nicholl from Vanity Fair has issued a cautionary note regarding the ongoing discussions surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, suggesting that the couple's profitability may dwindle as audiences clamor for a shift in focus.
Despite the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's significant popularity in the United States, recent remarks on the First Amendment coupled with a heavy emphasis on mental health matters could potentially alienate fans.
Nicholl expressed concern that the couple may be overexploiting topics related to the royal family and mental health, leading many to tune out.
During a conversation on the Royal Beat podcast, Nicholl and fellow guests delved into Prince Harry's recent interview on the Armchair Expert podcast hosted by Dax Shepard.
In the interview, the prince divulged details about his strained relationship with his father, Prince Charles, attributing his emotional struggles to the trauma passed down through generations within the royal family.
He pointed fingers at Prince Philip and the Queen, blaming their parenting of Prince Charles for the challenges he faced.
Prince Harry also candidly shared his own battles with mental health, revealing his desire to distance himself from the royal family at a young age and likening royal life to being confined in a zoo.
Nicholl raised a pertinent question alongside other royal reporters, pondering the saturation point for discussions on these sensitive topics.
She questioned the sustainability of public interest in the couple's narrative, particularly in a market like America where their every word is closely scrutinized.
Nicholl emphasized the need for Prince Harry and Meghan to pivot their messaging to retain audience engagement, suggesting that the current trajectory might lead to diminishing returns.
In a separate segment of the program, Rob Jobson, the royal editor for the Evening Standard, launched a scathing critique of Prince Harry's recent behavior, labeling him as “pathetic” for his relentless criticism of the royal family.
Jobson acknowledged the importance of mental health awareness but criticized Prince Harry for seemingly deflecting personal responsibility and instead blaming his family members, including his father, grandmother, and recently deceased grandfather.
Jobson further questioned the prince's post-royal endeavors, such as lucrative partnerships with Spotify and Netflix, his role as a chief impact officer, and involvement in documentary projects, insinuating that the couple's ventures were primarily driven by financial motives.
Jobson cast doubt on the authenticity of Prince Harry's narrative, highlighting the abrupt transition from royal life at age 36 to a flurry of commercial activities and public appearances.