Their absence has sparked speculation about a deliberate snub. Some suggest that big Hollywood names like Spielberg are distancing themselves from the couple, fearing damage to relationships with other royals like Prince William and Princess Catherine. Others think Oprah didn't want the couple's drama overshadowing the event. Earlier in the year, Oprah excluded Harry and Meghan from a star-studded birthday party.
Cara Kennedy, commenting on their absence, suggests it indicates a shift in the Sussexes' fortunes. In her Spectator piece, Kennedy argues that trading royal duties for celebrity status hasn't been as successful as the couple hoped. She points to Harry's revelations in a March 2021 Oprah interview, where he and Meghan discussed concerns expressed by a royal family member about the skin color of their son, Archie. This disclosure raised questions about racism within the royal family. However, Harry clarified in an interview with Tom Bradby that he didn't accuse his family of racism. Kennedy argues that these contrasting interviews reflect the Sussexes' campaign against the British Monarchy, accusing them of using Oprah as a pawn.
In California, where Harry and Meghan reside, the release of Omid Scobie's new book "Endgame" has reportedly led to a decline in the couple's popularity. Kinsey Schofield, a royal expert, claims that local bookstores in Montecito show little interest in stocking the book. She suggests that residents are disapproving of how Harry and Meghan have treated their family members, leading to a loss of interest and respect for the Sussexes.
