After missing the Duke of Westminster’s wedding recently, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle face another setback as they strive to secure invitations to top-tier events in the United States.
The royal couple, who moved to California in early 2020 following their decision to step back as senior royals, are encountering difficulties in being included in significant A-list gatherings, according to insights from a royal expert.
Since their relocation, tensions between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family have reportedly escalated.
Prince Harry has made infrequent visits to the UK in the past few years, often traveling solo.
Their absence from prominent social occasions has not gone unnoticed, with their non-attendance at the recent high-profile wedding of Hugh Grosvenor, the 7th Duke of Westminster, drawing attention.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams highlighted the challenge faced by Harry and Meghan in gaining entry to comparable events in the US that do not revolve around them.
Specifically, he pointed out the Met Gala and the Oscars as gatherings that could elevate their A-list status, emphasizing the importance of being present at such events to bolster their image as high-profile figures.
Notably, the Sussexes were absent from former President Barack Obama’s 60th birthday celebration in 2021, an event that aligned with their inclusion in Time Magazine’s prestigious Top 100 list.
Their exclusion from this and similar events has sparked discussions about their current social standing in America, where they have been actively involved in various high-profile initiatives since their move.
Despite their efforts to establish a new public persona through engagements like the Oprah Winfrey interview, content creation for Netflix and Spotify, and the launch of their charitable organization Archwall, the couple continues to face challenges in integrating into the elite social circles of the US.
Fitzwilliams suggested that their desire to be recognized as A-list celebrities might be impeded by their current circumstances and emphasized the importance of participating in events not centered around them to solidify their desired status.
As the Sussexes navigate their transition to life in California, the question of how they will shape and maintain their social and public presence in America remains unanswered.
Hollywood Has Turned Its Back on Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle is reportedly facing rejection from Hollywood power players, with sources claiming some no longer take her calls.
Despite the initial success of the 2022 Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan, her more recent ventures—including a canceled podcast, a delayed cooking show, and trademark issues with her lifestyle brand—have struggled to gain traction.
Highlights
– Meghan Markle is reportedly being snubbed by Hollywood elites, with her calls allegedly going unanswered.
– Her recent projects, including a podcast and cooking show, have faced cancellations and delays.
– Netflix may not renew the couple’s contract, reducing their presence in the entertainment industry.
– Prince Harry and Meghan continue to struggle professionally, impacting their public influence.
– Meghan still faces negative portrayals in tabloids concerning her mixed-race heritage.
Paula Froelich, NewsNation’s entertainment correspondent and editor, told The Times on December 1: “This is what happens when you haven’t actually made money—you fall [down] the totem pole of importance. People in LA roll their eyes at them.”
Froelich’s remarks coincide with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s upcoming Netflix documentary, Polo, set to premiere on December 10.
Hollywood’s Growing Distance
After early wins with Harry & Meghan and Prince Harry’s memoir Spare, the couple’s more recent endeavors have failed to resonate.
Meghan’s cooking documentary and lifestyle brand are reportedly delayed due to bureaucratic hurdles, adding financial strain—including an estimated $3 million annually for security expenses.
Reports suggest that some Hollywood figures no longer take Meghan’s calls personally, signaling waning industry interest.
Meanwhile, Polo—a documentary series providing an inside look at elite polo players—is poised to test their ability to generate successful content outside their own personal narratives.
Uncertain Future with Netflix
Netflix, their most significant backer, may not renew its contract with the couple when it expires, according to News.au.com on December 2.
If that happens, Harry and Meghan would be left without major entertainment deals.
Spotify already severed ties with them last year, with one executive infamously calling them “fing grifters.”
Royal expert Angela Levin previously stated that the couple’s professional relationship is “in a very bad state.” The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not made a joint public appearance in over a month, reportedly as they “navigate their next steps.”
Struggles in Their Personal and Professional Lives
Prince Harry has been seen taking solo trips abroad, while Meghan remains at home with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Speculation has also surfaced regarding Harry’s U.S. visa status.
On October 26, Levin told GB News: “They’re allowed to look again at what the problem is, and he might still not be able to stay there. Maybe that’s why they’re buying somewhere else.”
Further fueling speculation, reports suggest they are considering purchasing a house in Portugal.
Levin commented: “You don’t do that if you don’t want to separate for most of the time, so I wonder if [their relationship] is in a very bad state. But I’m sure they’re trying to work out something.”
Meghan’s Public Image Under Scrutiny
Renowned journalist Tina Brown has also weighed in on Meghan’s struggles, calling her judgment “the worst in the world” and stating that she is “flawless about getting it all wrong.” Brown further suggested that Harry blindly followed Meghan to California, describing him as a “child” and a “lamb to slaughter.”
Angela Levin speculated that Meghan would not take such criticism well: “Apparently, Meghan is inconsolable, crying nonstop. She really liked Tina Brown, and now she’s dropped her.”
Meghan’s Ongoing Struggles with Tabloid Media
Meghan, who is of mixed-race heritage with an African-American mother, has long faced negative portrayals in tabloids.
Some media coverage has been criticized for racial bias:
– In 2016, The Daily Mail ran the headline: “Harry’s girl is (almost) straight outta Compton.”
– In 2019, The Sun published an article titled “Meghan Markle’s exotic heritage revealed,” which critics argued reduced her background to an exotic curiosity.
– In 2021, after Meghan’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, The Daily Express ran a headline implying she had made “major inconsistencies” in her claims.
While some argue that criticism of Meghan is rooted in her actions, others believe racial undertones persist in certain media narratives.
As Meghan and Harry face growing industry skepticism, their future in Hollywood remains uncertain.