Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has found himself at the center of a new controversy after comedian Jon Stewart delivered a harsh critique of his royal title during an appearance on *The Daily Show*. Known for his biting humor and no-holds-barred commentary, Stewart didn't hold back, labeling Harry's continued use of his royal title as "a disgrace" in light of his outspoken criticisms of the British monarchy.
The incident unfolded during a lively discussion about Harry's memoir, *Spare*, and quickly escalated into a full-blown media storm. Harry, who has distanced himself from the royal family while continuing to use his royal status to fuel commercial ventures, was reportedly furious with Stewart's remarks. Sources close to the Duke said he viewed the comedian's comments as a personal attack and an attempt to undermine his credibility.
However, Stewart showed no signs of backing down. In a follow-up interview, he doubled down on his criticism, arguing that Harry's continued use of the title "prince" while also denouncing the institution that gave him the title was hypocritical. He pointed out that while Harry has publicly complained about the pressures and limitations of royal life, he still enjoys the privileges and recognition that come with his royal status. "He's complaining about the gilded cage but still clinging to the gold bars," Stewart quipped, drawing a comparison between Harry's situation and a prisoner who criticizes the prison system while still benefiting from the perks of incarceration.
Stewart's remarks struck a chord with a significant portion of the public, many of whom have grown increasingly skeptical of Harry and Meghan Markle's public statements. Critics argue that the couple has repeatedly sought to profit from their royal connections while portraying themselves as victims of the monarchy's oppressive structures. They point to Harry’s lucrative deals with streaming giants, high-profile speaking engagements, and his best-selling memoir as evidence of his continued use of royal privilege for personal gain.
Furthermore, Stewart's critique highlighted the contradictions in Harry's public persona. While he positions himself as an advocate for mental health, calling for more openness and transparency about personal struggles, some argue that his frequent public attacks on the royal family—delivered through high-profile interviews and documentaries—are strategically calculated to garner sympathy and maintain his relevance in the media.
The controversy has reignited debates about Harry and Meghan’s relationship with the British monarchy. While some commentators defended Harry's right to privacy and his efforts to escape the constraints of royal life, others echoed Stewart's sentiments, criticizing him for what they perceive as hypocrisy and self-serving behavior. The incident has intensified public scrutiny of the Sussexes, with many questioning their motives and the authenticity of their claims.
The fallout from Stewart's comments has had a notable impact on the Sussexes' public image. Their popularity has significantly declined in recent months, with opinion polls reflecting a sharp drop in public support. The British press has also ramped up criticism, portraying them as ungrateful and opportunistic. Despite the mounting backlash, Harry and Meghan have remained defiant, insisting that they are simply working to build a new life for themselves and their children.
However, the damage to their reputation may be considerable. It remains to be seen how they will handle the ongoing backlash, and whether they can restore their public image amid the growing criticism.
