Meghan Markle and Prince Harry should be “very concerned” that their popularity is plummeting, according to royal experts, as American media begins to pick the Duke and Duchess apart. The raunchy, and often satirical show South Park was the latest US household name to savage the Sussexes, depicting the pair as a whiny couple who loudly beg for privacy.
The South Park episode, featuring the Prince and Princess of Canada, thinly veiled caricatures of Harry and Meghan, repeatedly mocked the couple. The prince in the show, sporting Harry’s red hair, promotes a book titled “Waaagh,” while the princess wears an outfit similar to one Meghan wore in 2018.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams noted that the Sussexes should be “very concerned” after South Park “went for the jugular.” He added that the portrayal of the couple storming off a TV show, chanting “we want privacy,” mirrors public sentiment. A recent Newsweek poll showed a sharp decline in their popularity in the US.
US-based GB News royal correspondent Kinsey Schofield echoed this sentiment, stating that “people are tired” of the Sussexes’ contradictory behavior—demanding privacy while engaging in numerous public appearances and media projects.
The episode’s humor, while cruel, reflects the public’s frustration with Meghan and Harry’s actions, suggesting they deserve the ridicule for their perceived hypocrisy.
Amid the backlash, Prince Harry reportedly vowed to ‘erase’ South Park, expressing his displeasure at the portrayal. However, the show’s creators, known for their irreverent and unapologetic style, are unlikely to back down. This conflict highlights the ongoing tension between the Sussexes and the media, as the couple navigates their public image in the face of growing criticism.
Royal experts suggest that Harry and Meghan need to reassess their public relations strategy to counteract the negative perceptions fueled by such portrayals. Their efforts to maintain privacy while simultaneously seeking public engagement seem to be backfiring, leading to a complex and challenging situation for the couple.
The South Park episode serves as a reminder of the precarious nature of celebrity status, where actions and public statements are scrutinized and often satirized. For Harry and Meghan, finding a balance between their personal desires and public expectations will be crucial in managing their reputation moving forward.