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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were once celebrated as the embodiment of a modern royal love story—the dashing British prince and the accomplished American actress who brought a fresh spirit to the monarchy. But the narrative has shifted dramatically in recent years, and now, the couple is reportedly reflecting on where things went wrong in the eyes of the public.
In Meghan’s new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, Prince Harry makes only a brief appearance in the final episode. He joins his wife for an intimate brunch, where the two share a tender hug—an affectionate moment that, while heartwarming, serves as a subtle reminder of how much their public image has evolved.
According to Closer Weekly, the scene marks a stark contrast to the couple’s early days when they were adored across the globe. “The world fell in love with the handsome prince and the American actress—that was the fantasy,” a friend close to the couple told the publication.
Since stepping down from their roles as senior working royals in 2020 and relocating to the United States, Harry and Meghan have worked to establish a new life while navigating the complexities of fame, family, and freedom. Despite philanthropic efforts and media ventures, including the bombshell Oprah interview and Harry’s memoir Spare, their journey has been met with both support and criticism.
The insider revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have spent time trying to “pinpoint the moment the public turned on them.” While no single event stands out definitively, they believe the shift began when they started to speak openly about their struggles within the royal institution.
“The best they can come up with is when they started to speak up for themselves,” the source said. “But the last straw was when Harry left England.”
The source noted that many perceived Harry’s departure from the UK as a betrayal—particularly towards his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. “It was seen as a betrayal, and he broke his grandmother’s heart,” they added. “That, along with Harry’s book and the Oprah interview — their fairy tale never recovered.”
Since then, Harry and Meghan have remained in the spotlight, but the tone of coverage has changed. Once hailed as royal revolutionaries, they now face ongoing scrutiny about their decisions, motivations, and place in the broader royal narrative.
Still, their story is far from over. As they continue building their life in California—raising their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—the couple appears committed to using their platform for advocacy, storytelling, and healing.
Their journey may no longer resemble a fairy tale, but it is undoubtedly one of resilience, reinvention, and reflection.
