When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left Britain in search of a new life in California, they likely envisioned a warm reception in the United States, a place where they could capitalize on their fame and reinvent themselves. However, four years later, the American dream they sought has not materialized as expected. Instead of the adulation they anticipated, Prince Harry and Meghan have faced a growing wave of criticism, with many Americans now favoring Prince William and Kate Middleton over the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
So, why have U.S. citizens turned against Harry and Meghan? There are several potential reasons, each contributing to their diminishing popularity in their adopted home.
A Series of Missteps
One of the earliest missteps was the infamous Oprah Winfrey interview, where the couple accused the Royal Family of racism and shared numerous controversial claims—17 of which have been widely scrutinized and challenged. This interview set the tone for their public perception in America, painting them as individuals willing to air their grievances on a global stage, regardless of the consequences.
Another factor is their perceived hypocrisy. Despite their public stance on environmental issues, the couple has been frequently spotted flying on private jets, contradicting their supposed commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. This “do as we say, not as we do” attitude has not gone unnoticed, particularly in a country where hypocrisy is often met with public disdain.
Adding to the controversy was Prince Harry’s criticism of the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment, which he dismissed as “bonkers.” This comment, especially from someone who chose to live in the U.S., did not sit well with Americans, many of whom value their freedom of speech and the press as sacred rights.
The Pat Tillman Award Controversy
One of the most recent and significant controversies surrounding Prince Harry involves his acceptance of the Pat Tillman Award. Named after Pat Tillman, a former NFL player who gave up his career to serve in the U.S. Army and tragically lost his life in Afghanistan, the award is intended for individuals who have made selfless contributions to veterans’ causes.
Mary Tillman, Pat’s mother, expressed her disapproval of Harry receiving the award, stating that it should be reserved for unsung heroes who work behind the scenes, not for someone as publicly prominent as Harry. Despite her clear opposition and a petition signed by 75,000 people—many of them military veterans—Harry proceeded to accept the award.
In his acceptance speech, Harry tried to deflect criticism by dedicating the award to the members of the Invictus Games, a noble sentiment but one that fell flat given the circumstances. The public viewed this as another example of Harry’s disconnect from the values and expectations of his adopted country.
A Fading Dream
Behind the gates of their Montecito mansion, the once-golden future that Harry and Meghan envisioned seems to be tarnishing. Meghan is reportedly focusing on her projects, including a Netflix cooking show and a lifestyle website, while Harry appears directionless, his American dream seemingly derailed.
Harry’s involvement with the Invictus Games, which he has passionately supported, remains intact. However, other ventures, such as his Netflix series on polo, have not captured the public’s imagination. His acceptance of the Pat Tillman Award, despite widespread opposition, only deepened the divide between him and the American public.
As speculation grows that Harry may eventually return to Britain, leaving Meghan to pursue her ambitions in the U.S., one thing is clear: the Prince’s American journey has been far from smooth. What was once a promising new chapter has instead become a cautionary tale about the complexities of fame, cultural differences, and the importance of understanding and respecting the values of one’s audience.
In the end, Prince Harry’s decision to accept the Pat Tillman Award—against the wishes of Pat’s mother and many veterans—may be remembered as a critical misstep in his American saga, one that highlighted his growing disconnect from the very people he sought to win over.