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Prince Harry’s relationship with Meghan Markle has drawn sharp criticism from royal experts, with former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown claiming that the Duke of Sussex “shrinks his sense of self” when he’s with his wife. According to Brown, Harry is so captivated by Meghan that he often lets her take the lead in their decisions, likening him to a “lamb to the slaughter.”
In a recent discussion, Brown didn’t hold back when discussing the dynamic between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. She stated, “I think he’s pretty much in the thrall of Meghan… He’s the lamb to the slaughter in this situation. I mean, he was terribly impressed by Meghan. He thought that she knew it all.”
Brown went on to explain that Harry appears to believe in Meghan’s ability to navigate Hollywood and transform them into global stars. “She persuaded him that she was the savvy Hollywood wheeler-dealer, who would come in and make them stars and all the rest of it. And he just sort of blindly followed her like a child, really,” Brown remarked.
Since stepping back from their royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan have been living in California, pursuing various media projects, including their controversial Netflix series and Harry’s memoir, Spare. Their move has sparked ongoing debate about the couple’s new roles outside of the royal family, with critics and supporters alike questioning how the once beloved prince is adapting to life post-Megxit.
Brown’s comments underscore a common critique that Harry has lost some of his individuality since marrying Meghan, with many questioning whether the move away from the royal family was solely his decision or influenced by his wife’s ambitions. Despite the controversies surrounding their exit, the couple has remained in the spotlight, using their platform to advocate for causes like mental health and social justice.
While Brown’s critique may paint a picture of Harry being overshadowed by Meghan, she also praised the Duke for his natural charisma and ability to connect with people. Reflecting on his past, she noted, “When he goes on these much-mocked foreign trips, he’s just really good at it. He’s charming, he’s funny, he’s sweet, he’s authentic again. He has a real sense of being true and real, and he’s flawless at it.”
However, Brown expressed regret over Harry’s inability to return to the UK and resume his former role within the monarchy. She argued that his presence is sorely missed, especially in light of the challenges the royal family faces following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. “It’s actually very sad that he can’t go back to England and play that role, which is desperately needed because now the monarchy is a skeleton of itself,” she added.
As the Duke and Duchess continue to carve out their new lives in the United States, Brown’s critique suggests that Harry may be struggling to balance his past royal identity with his current reality. With the British public and royal experts watching their every move, only time will tell how this new chapter will play out for the Sussexes.
