The year started on a high note for Prince Harry, with his memoir becoming the best-selling non-fiction book of all time. However, little did we know that this account of life inside and outside the royal family would deepen the divides between Harry and his royal relatives. The public was taken aback by the intim-te details Harry shared, from personal struggles to private conversations with the Queen. Critics lambasted him for airing the Royal Family's dirty laundry and for what appeared to be his growing resentment towards his brother, Prince William.
While the memoir enjoyed commercial success, it ignited tensions within the royal family over the couple's pursuit of financial independence after stepping back from their royal duties. Meghan and Harry signed a $25 million deal with Spotify for the Archwell Audio podcast. However, this fairy tale quickly unraveled when they parted ways with the platform in June, leading to a fallout and even receiving a rebuke from Spotify's top executive, Bill Simmons.
Their efforts to forge a new path outside the royal family have been met with constant scrutiny and criticism, with drama following them at every turn. One of the most shocking revelations of the year was the release of the book "Endgame," which alleged comments about baby Archie's skin color and who made those comments. This revelation caused a significant rift between the Sussexes and other members of the royal family, resulting in their exclusion from a high society wedding.
The controversy surrounding "Endgame" has sparked debates about the couple's involvement and their image in the media. They found themselves the subject of satirical portrayals in shows like "Family Guy" and "South Park," mocking their lucrative contracts in the entertainment industry and their need for privacy amidst promotional activities. In May, Meghan and Harry claimed to have been involved in a dramatic chase with paparazzi, citing concerns for their safety. This incident raised eyebrows and drew comparisons to Princess Diana's tragic encounter with the paparazzi.
Adding to the complexity of their dynamic, their friendship with Oprah Winfrey seemed to cool down when they did not publicly wish her a happy birthday, further fueling speculation. They faced setbacks when their charitable organization recorded a significant drop in donations, raising questions about the sustainability of their philanthropic efforts.
In a surprising turn of events, Meghan returned to filming commercials for a coffee brand in which she has invested. While some welcomed her back to the screen, others questioned the authenticity of her efforts. The year concluded with a scathing article in The Hollywood Reporter, labeling Harry and Meghan as the biggest losers of 2023. The article considered them failures for supposedly exploiting their status as royals and celebrities.
As Taylor Swift's anti-hero hit suggests, it may be time for Harry and Meghan to reflect on their path. The Hollywood bubble they created appears to be on the brink of bursting. As South Park aptly put it, the pin may be about to burst.
