Once the toast of Hollywood, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle now face mounting skepticism and criticism from the very industry they sought to embrace, as hints of genuine disdain simmer beneath the surface of Tinseltown's glitzy veneer. Just recently, their absence at high-profile events has fueled whispers about their waning influence.
The latest ripple of discontent was highlighted at the recent post-Emmy party, hosted by the prestigious William Morris Endeavor (WME) at the Waldorf Astoria. A-listers, including Kevin Costner, Brie Larson, and Javier Bardem, mingled over ginger margaritas, enjoying the camaraderie of Hollywood elite. Yet, noticeably absent were the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, leading to speculation about their diminishing stature within the entertainment community.
Rumors had been circulating about the couple’s increasingly frosty relationship with Hollywood since they left their royal duties and ventured to California. These sentiments crystallized following the release of a sharp critique from The Hollywood Reporter, branding Meghan as "Duchess Difficult". This article reiterated longstanding allegations of her reportedly domineering nature and described her as someone who instills fear among her staff.
What might have been glossed over by the uninitiated becomes palpable when insiders hint at the schadenfreude— “pleasure derived from another's misfortune”—that now permeates discussions about the Sussexes. A senior industry figure commented, "It’s hard to find anyone with a good word to say for their film and television credibility. People are tired of them, and the dislike is genuine.”
Insider accounts recounted how Meghan’s working style left colleagues feeling intimidated. Sources expressed concerns over her alleged tendency to belittle employees, leading many to feel "terrified". One insider summarized the situation with biting honesty, claiming, "She’s absolutely relentless. She marches around like a dictator in high heels, fuming and barking orders. I’ve watched her reduce grown men to tears.” Such comments echo past allegations from former aides and staff during her time as part of the royal family.
This backlash isn't just hearsay. Following the dual setbacks of poor reception to their recent projects, there's palpable doubt about Harry and Meghan's future endeavors. The couple’s Netflix deal, reportedly worth $100 million, has yielded little concrete output over its tenure. Meghan’s animated kids’ show, Pearl, was canceled before it even premiered, adding salt to the wounds of their credibility.
Comparisons have been drawn to other Hollywood talents thriving under similar circumstances. Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s endeavors, even amid setbacks, are viewed as more serious engagements than those of the Sussexes. One industry observer noted, "Mainstream Hollywood never really took them seriously; their brand-building exercise contradicted the genuine production efforts we see from others."
Across the pond, chatter about the couple’s faded star power has only intensified with insiders asserting the Sussexes are backpedaling on their ambitious post-royal strategy. A senior producer made it clear, "Even Harry and Meghan naysayers would be shocked by how little they’ve actually achieved." They may have come to California with dreams of film and television dominance, but the reality is starkly different.
Despite their discomfort, the couple isn’t devoid of support. Harry's 40th birthday garnered some positive words from loyal defenders, noting his charm and down-to-earth nature. Bryony Gordon's article celebrated his relatable qualities, asserting the couple simply aims to protect their children from the harshness of the media-saturated world. Yet, backing from friends does little to obscure the larger narrative developing within Hollywood.
The shift seems to stem from strategic missteps, including their absence at significant events and lack of recent projects. Their last documented television ventures were met with tepid reactions—Harry’s participation about his Invictus Games received historically low ratings. After such underwhelming responses, it raises important questions about their viability as credible figures within the industry.
What does the future hold for Harry and Meghan? The couple is reportedly slated to debut new projects soon—Meghan's upcoming cookery show and Harry's exploration of polo—but expectations remain cautious. Industry insiders express doubts about the couple's ability to rebound to their former glory, with many wishing for their influence to persist.
When the conversation turns to their lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, the slow pace of development contrasts sharply with other projects undertaken by former royals and celebrities. Although the brand promises to promote "affordable elegance," insiders worry about the lack of traction, as there’ve been no products launched since its April announcement.
Hollywood remains unforgiving, often rewarding those who break barriers, yet punishing those who fail to deliver on inflated promises. The couple seems to be skating on thin ice, caught between their aspirations and the harsh realities of reestablishing their brand post-royalty. The struggle for relevance and acceptance is neither surprising nor isolated; it is emblematic of the brutal nature of celebrity culture, where fortunes can shift overnight.
Looking beyond the turbulent times, Meghan and Harry face the hard truth: they must focus on their storytelling, ensuring it resonates with their audience, or watch their Hollywood dream slowly fade away. Will they adapt, reshape their narrative, and restore their status, or will they continue to drift toward the fringes of the industry?
