As we reflect on the events of the past year, there are some interesting tidbits to consider. For instance, it's surprising to learn that during Harry's visit to Las Vegas in 2012, he didn't actually gamble despite being in a city known for its casinos. However, it's clear that Harry has taken some risky bets in the years since, and they haven't paid off.
Over the past two years, we've seen Harry and Meghan engage in a relentless battle of wits and PR strategies against the Royal Family. They've criticized Charles, the Queen, Camilla, William, Catherine, and the institution of monarchy as a whole. They've alleged that questions were asked about the skin color of Meghan's unborn child, that titles were not awarded when they should have been, and that hugs were denied and manners not taught.
They've also claimed that they were blindsided by critical reports and that the mental crisis was swept under the rug. However, it's now clear that despite their allegations and criticisms, the Royal Family has weathered the storm and come out on top.
While there are some allegations that are easier to forget than others, such as Megan's claim that she didn't get the support she needed when struggling with suicidal thoughts in her 20s, some have properly tarnished the House of Windsor. One of the most infamous comments made was the mysterious Royal's question about the skin color of Meghan's first child, which has been widely criticized for being racially insensitive.
Despite their attempts to get concessions from Charles and the Royal Family, Harry and Meghan were unsuccessful. There was no apology, and the Royal Family did not admit any wrongdoing or that they could have done more to help. Even if the couple were to launch new insults on an American talk show, it's unlikely that they would sway public opinion in their favor.
Buckingham Palace remains strong, with King Charles planning his first state visit to Germany and France. Queen Camilla received an enthusiastic crowd, William gave a seminar on soft power, and Catherine contacted nine of the world's largest companies to help with her early work. As for Harry and Meghan, they now find themselves in a difficult position, having played all their cards without success. It remains to be seen what their next move will be.
So overall, Megan and Harry's attacks don't really have much impact. A recent poll conducted in the UK since the release of Harry's backup book shows that Charles maintains a 62 percent approval rating, which is similar to his rating before his mother's death last September. Following Charles' death, the rest of the royal family experienced a slight increase in support, while William and Catherine saw a dip in their approval ratings. However, this is nothing to be concerned about. On the other hand, Harry and Megan faced a significant blow. They reached an all-time low in January and again in February.
There is one statistic that truly puts things into perspective: Camilla actually has a higher approval rating in America than Megan or Harry. Moreover, it's not just Chris Rock who made jokes at their expense. Comedians like Trevor Noah, Jimmy Kimmel, and even the TV show South Park mocked them. Adding to the challenges, the publisher Little, Brown UK announced that they would be releasing a parody of Harry's book titled "Spare Us Now" on April 1st, although it might just be a practical joke.
It seems like this is the price Megan and Harry have to pay for their ongoing feud with the palace. Unfortunately for them, it didn't gain much traction or support for their Netflix series. The United Nations' decision to initially title it "Harry and Megan and Spare" only confirmed people's existing perceptions, and it did little to change anyone's opinions.
No hearts or minds were swayed in favor of Megan and Harry on either occasion. Harry may have been hoping for some sort of reconciliation or even an apology from his family, but instead, he's met with unwavering resistance from the palace and a general weariness from the public. It appears that Harry simply can't win in this campaign against his own family. Poor guy.
With only 40 days remaining until his father's coronation, the question arises: Will Megan and Harry actually be there? Will Megan make an appearance in expensive designer clothes? Will Harry confront his brother? At this point, it's impossible to say for sure. Unless you possess a crystal ball or have exceptional psychic abilities, no one can accurately predict the outcome. Currently, it seems that Megan and Harry are losing the power struggle against Charles.
There is something to be considered, though. Perhaps Harry should have taken a break from attending raucous parties in 2012 and tried to understand that when you're uncertain about winning, going all-in and revealing your hand isn't a wise move.
