It’s been a turbulent few months for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Once the darlings of the media and adored by legions of royal fans, Harry and Meghan now find themselves entangled in a web of strained relations, mounting legal bills, and a plummeting social standing both in Hollywood and beyond. From Hollywood’s icy reception to Trump’s political resurrection, the couple’s future seems increasingly uncertain. Could their star be fading, or is this just another chapter in their dramatic journey?
A Rocky Road Across the Pond
Harry and Meghan’s relationship with the media has always been contentious, but it appears that the pair have become polarising figures both in the US and their home country. Their initial leap to Los Angeles in 2020 was heralded as a fresh start. But recent reports suggest that their popularity is rapidly declining. In fact, some in Hollywood are now wary of associating with the couple, with publicists and industry insiders noting a cooling of interest. “They were given every opportunity to succeed, but it feels like they’ve actively squandered it,” says Jane Owen, a renowned Hollywood publicist. With their ambitious projects — including a now lacklustre Netflix documentary on polo — failing to generate significant buzz, the Sussexes’ place in Hollywood’s elite circles is under intense scrutiny.
The couple’s recent legal woes haven’t helped. Harry’s ongoing phone hacking case, which has cost him dearly, is expected to total upwards of £38 million. Meanwhile, the threat of legal repercussions extends beyond the courtroom. If reports are to be believed, the return of Donald Trump to the White House might spell even more trouble for the Sussexes. Relations between the couple and Trump have long been frosty — particularly after Meghan openly criticised him before their departure from the UK. Trump’s recent win has reignited speculation about Harry’s legal standing in the US, with whispers that the Duke could face deportation over alleged discrepancies in his visa application.
A Family Divided
The Duke and Duchess’ relationship with Harry’s family is also reaching a new low. Once again, the Sussexes have been excluded from Christmas celebrations at Sandringham, with reports indicating that King Charles is determined to prevent their drama from overshadowing the royal festivities. The couple’s six-year absence from family Christmas gatherings is nothing new, but the public fallout appears more pronounced than ever. With the King grappling with health concerns and a desire for a peaceful family holiday, it’s clear that Harry and Meghan’s presence — or absence — has become a point of contention.
Moreover, despite claims of wanting to rebuild relationships, there are no signs of a thaw between Harry and his brother, Prince William. According to royal insiders, while Charles may hold out hope for a reconciliation with his son, the feud between Harry and William remains as entrenched as ever. “While Harry feels he is owed an apology, William is still waiting for one from him,” says royal expert Kinsey Schofield. “Until both sides come to terms, there’s no real chance of Harry’s return to the fold.”
Solo Ventures and Public Speculation
In an attempt to repair their image, Harry and Meghan have increasingly appeared at public events separately, fueling speculation about their personal and professional relationship. The couple, once inseparable, now seem to be pursuing their separate paths — Harry attending the New York Times DealBook Summit, while Meghan stepped out at the Paley Center Gala in Beverly Hills. “This shift towards solo engagements may be an attempt to recalibrate their image,” says royal correspondent Phil Dampier. “Harry is trying to reconnect with his old friends in the UK, while Meghan is laying low as she prepares for the launch of her American lifestyle brand.”
The couple’s professional ventures also reflect this shift. Meghan’s secretive jam-making business, American Riviera Orchard, has yet to reveal any major products, leaving many to question whether the couple’s ambitious commercial plans are just another flash-in-the-pan. Similarly, Harry’s polo documentary has been met with lukewarm reception, with some insiders suggesting the prince’s presence in the film is disappointingly minimal. “Netflix is hoping for a hit, but they’re not exactly delivering the kind of content that gets people excited,” says one Hollywood source.
The Road Ahead: Can They Reclaim Relevance?
It’s clear that Harry and Meghan are at a crossroads. Their transition from royalty to Hollywood has been anything but smooth, and their standing in both the entertainment industry and public eye continues to diminish. With their personal and professional lives now under intense scrutiny, the couple may need to reevaluate their approach to both their public image and their future ventures.
As 2024 draws to a close, Harry and Meghan have a choice to make. To regain their footing, they will need to deliver on their promises — whether through their charitable efforts, public appearances, or new business projects. The Sussexes’ PR team, no doubt, will be strategising a comeback, but it seems they will need more than a few solo engagements and glossy media appearances to turn their fortunes around. The couple may be betting on their brand of activism and entertainment to redeem themselves, but with their reputation at stake, 2025 will be the make-or-break year.
In the world of celebrity and royalty, reputations can shift with the tide, but for now, it seems Harry and Meghan’s moment in the sun may be starting to fade.