Meghan Markle, it is reported, inundated the studio with hundreds of phone calls, demanding compensation and claiming copyright infringement for the use of Prince Harry's image. The crux of the issue seems to be the portrayal of Prince Harry as a gay character, a deviation from his real-life identity.
The movie, set in a fictional British royal family, follows Prince Harry (or Prince Henry) as he falls in love with Alex Claremont Diaz, the son of the US president, in an enemies-to-lovers narrative. While the film's director, Matthew Lopez, has denied any direct link between the character and Prince Harry, it's hard to ignore the apparent parallels.
One striking detail is the replication of Meghan Markle's art deco Diamond Tiara worn on her wedding day by the film's costume designer, Keith Madden. Additionally, Queen Mary's Bandeau Tiara, loaned by Queen Elizabeth II to Meghan for her wedding, makes an appearance. These nods to real-life events and jewelry further fuel the controversy.
Another point of contention arises from a statement made by Prince Harry in the film, where he refers to himself as a "spare." This term, associated with the monarchy and aristocracy, refers to a second child who serves as a backup in case anything happens to the first in line for the throne. Meghan Markle reportedly disagrees with this portrayal, asserting that it insinuates she was deliberately hiding Harry's sexual orientation.
Before this controversy, Amazon had a seemingly positive relationship with Meghan Markle. However, recent developments have led to speculation about the future of their collaboration. Additionally, Amazon recently cut ties with British presenter Jeremy Clarkson, who made controversial remarks about Meghan Markle, further complicating the situation.
The release of "Red, White, and Royal Blue" has undoubtedly added a new layer of intrigue for royal watchers and fans of the British monarchy, with numerous references and Easter eggs woven into the film. The portrayal of Prince Harry as a gay character has stirred the pot, prompting Meghan Markle's alleged campaign against Amazon. The outcome of this ongoing dispute remains uncertain, leaving both the entertainment industry and royal enthusiasts in suspense.
