Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are pulling out all the stops to reshape their public image, reportedly launching a “secret probe” into why Hollywood seems to have turned against them, according to Radar Online. But the real question might be broader: Why are they struggling to win over the public on both sides of the Atlantic? The answer, many speculate, lies in their own actions. Now, the couple is doubling down with a series of carefully crafted People magazine exclusives, aiming to repair their tarnished reputation. Here’s a deep dive into their latest damage control efforts and whether they’re hitting the mark.
A PR Blitz to Counter Criticism
Things haven’t been smooth sailing for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Meghan’s business ventures, from her Netflix series With Love, Meghan to her lifestyle brand As Ever, have faced mixed reception, while their charities have been dogged by controversy. To combat the negative headlines, Harry and Meghan have turned to People magazine, their go-to outlet for polished PR. Gone are the days of relying on former confidant Omid Scobie, who seems to have been sidelined. Instead, the couple is feeding exclusives directly to People, ensuring their narrative reaches a wide audience.
These stories, labeled as coming from “sources close to the couple,” are widely understood to be straight from Harry and Meghan or their team. The exclusives are strategic, designed to paint the couple as victims, supportive partners, and devoted parents, all while addressing rumors head-on. But are these puff pieces convincing anyone, or are they just adding fuel to the skepticism?
Exclusive #1: Harry’s Strained Ties with King Charles
The first exclusive, a People magazine cover story titled “Prince Harry’s Fight for His Future,” highlights the growing rift between Harry and King Charles. According to the article, Harry’s calls and letters to his father have gone unanswered, a claim that aligns with the couple’s ongoing narrative of being shut out by the royal family. Harry’s frustration stems from his belief that Charles, as king, could reinstate his full security detail, despite living in the U.S. and no longer being a working royal.
Buckingham Palace has dismissed this as untrue, noting that security decisions are handled by RAVEC, not the king. Yet Harry persists, using the article to portray himself as a protective husband and father battling the “evil” British media and an unsupportive royal family. The story paints him as a sympathetic figure, but critics argue it’s just another chapter in a five-year saga of complaints, from the Oprah interview to the Spare memoir and Netflix docuseries. With Harry’s appeal court case against RAVEC looming in the UK, this narrative seems timed to sway public opinion, but it risks reinforcing his image as entitled.
Exclusive #2: Squashing the Eugenie Feud Rumors
The second exclusive tackles rumors of a falling-out between Harry and his cousin Princess Eugenie. Reports, including claims by Piers Morgan, suggested Harry was upset over Eugenie’s friendship with Morgan, a vocal critic of the Sussexes. Photos of Eugenie hugging Morgan outside a London pub fueled speculation, but People’s article insists the cousins remain “as close as ever.”
However, the evidence is thin. Eugenie hasn’t been seen with Harry since 2023, and her Instagram is noticeably silent on Meghan’s projects, from the As Ever brand to the Netflix show. Interestingly, Eugenie is set to appear on a podcast hosted by Harry’s ex-girlfriend, Cressida Bonas, but not on Meghan’s Confessions of a Female Founder. The lack of public support raises doubts about the “close bond” claim, suggesting the article is more about damage control than truth.
Exclusive #3: Harry Cheers Meghan’s Success
The third exclusive features Harry praising Meghan’s business ventures, particularly her Netflix series and As Ever brand, which reportedly sold out in under an hour. “I am so happy for my wife and fully support absolutely everything she’s done,” Harry told People, appearing briefly in the final episode of With Love, Meghan to share a kiss and offer praise. The article aims to counter rumors of marital tension, presenting the couple as a united front.
Yet the timing feels convenient, with whispers of therapy and strain circulating. Harry’s public display of support seems designed to silence doubters, but the overly polished narrative—complete with a “loved-up” moment—may not convince those who sense trouble behind the scenes. The article’s focus on Meghan’s success also glosses over the mixed reviews and legal challenges facing her projects.
Exclusive #4: Family Time with Archie and Lilibet
The final exclusive highlights a “sun-soaked spring break getaway” with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, portraying Harry and Meghan as devoted parents. This story appears to address criticism that the couple frequently travels without their young children, who are five and three. Recent solo trips—Harry to the UK and Ukraine, Meghan to New York—have fueled speculation about their parenting priorities.
By emphasizing this family vacation, the article seeks to reframe Meghan as a relatable mom and Harry as a hands-on dad. But the sudden focus on parenting feels like a response to public scrutiny, especially since the couple rarely shares glimpses of their children. The narrative is sweet but suspiciously timed, raising questions about its authenticity.
Is the PR Campaign Backfiring?
Harry and Meghan’s People magazine exclusives are a clear attempt to rewrite their story, casting them as victims of an uncaring royal family, supportive spouses, and loving parents. But the heavy-handed PR approach may be doing more harm than good. The articles feel staged, and the couple’s insistence on playing the victim—whether over security, family ties, or public perception—risks alienating even their supporters.
Their probe into Hollywood’s dislike, combined with these exclusives, suggests desperation to regain relevance. Yet the constant airing of grievances, from royal feuds to security battles, only reinforces the perception that they’re stuck in a cycle of self-inflicted drama. Meanwhile, their business ventures and charities face scrutiny, and their absence from the royal fold grows more permanent.
What’s Next for the Sussexes?
As Harry prepares for his appeal case and Meghan pushes her brand forward, the couple’s future hinges on their ability to move beyond the victim narrative. The People magazine campaign might generate buzz, but it’s unlikely to shift deeply entrenched opinions. Hollywood and the public aren’t easily swayed by curated stories, especially when trust has been eroded by years of contradictions.
For now, Harry and Meghan are working overtime to sell their “happy bubble,” but the cracks are showing. Whether it’s unanswered calls to King Charles, a strained bond with Eugenie, or questionable parenting optics, their PR blitz feels like a band-aid on a deeper problem. If they want to win back hearts, they’ll need more than magazine exclusives—they’ll need authenticity and accountability.
