Prince Harry is being called over his response to bombshell claims made about him and his wife, Meghan Markle, in a new book.
A royal expert compared the impact of the book on the couple to the effect the duke’s “Spare” memoir had on the royal family, branding him a “hypocrite.”
This comes amid claims that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are getting the cold shoulder from their Montecito neighbors as they struggle to find their footing in Hollywood.
Prince Harry’s Remarks About A New Book Were Labeled ‘Hypocritical’
In the new book, “Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family,” by Tom Bower, Harry and Meghan were with startling claims, including an allegation that Queen Camilla told a friend that the former actress “brainwashed” Harry.
Bower also wrote that Harry and Meghan’s relationship dynamics bothered William and Kate, who feared the couple was moving too fast, with the duchess seemingly masterminding the speedy relationship.
These claims were slammed by a spokesperson for Harry and Meghan. The rep said Bower’s commentary “crossed the line from criticism into fixation,” adding that people who are “interested in facts will look elsewhere; those seeking deranged conspiracy and melodrama know exactly where to find him.”
However, royal expert Ingrid Seward has slammed Harry for being “hypocritical,” noting that he too once made bombshell allegations against the royal family in his book, “Spare.”
“Harry’s response is slightly hypocritical because he doesn’t seem to recall what he’s said before,” Seward said per The Express.
The expert added, “If he’s going to make these very strong statements- and he doesn’t seem to think there’s a reason he shouldn’t- he needs to remember what he’s said previously, because it may come back and bite him.”
Royal Expert Says The Duchess May Have Told Harry To Address The Bombshell Claims
Seward believes the response from Harry and Meghan could backfire.
She suggested that rather than letting tensions settle, the statement risks fueling more attention and prolonging the controversy, potentially deepening the rift between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family.
She told New Magazine: “Harry doesn’t believe in just allowing things to calm down – he is very protective of Meghan and obviously extremely annoyed and angry. The Royal Family probably does blame Meghan for everything that’s happened, and she may have told him to do something.”
Seward added, “But of course, all it does is make the story more juicy and keep the conversation going. It really doesn’t serve them.”
Prince Harry And Meghan Face Fresh Scrutiny As Montecito Neighbors Reportedly Avoid Them
Seward’s comments about Harry come after a report claimed the duke and his wife were being snubbed by their neighbors.
According to Page Six, some residents in their Montecito, California neighborhood have been keeping their distance.
One local source claimed “one wants to be seen” with the Sussexes, adding that there’s a “growing awareness that they’re takers with zero self-awareness.”
However, insiders close to the Sussexes pushed back on that narrative, insisting the pair “have a great relationship with their neighbors and love their community.”
Harry and Meghan relocated to Montecito in 2020 after stepping back from royal duties and purchasing a $14.65 million estate. At the time, a spokesperson emphasized their desire for privacy and a peaceful family life in the area.
At the same time, questions have also surfaced around their ongoing partnership with Netflix. While there have been reports of shifts in their business dealings, including Netflix no longer backing Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, and her series “With Love, Meghan” not moving forward.
Netflix Backs The Duke And Duchess, Confirms New Projects Still In Development
Despite recent changes, Netflix insists its partnership with Harry and Meghan remains ongoing.
Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria addressed speculation, explaining that projects with the couple are still in development and noting that deals naturally evolve.
She added, “Deals come and go all the time, and we don’t renew so many deals; those just don’t get as much press for obvious reasons. There’s no juicy story there.”
Through their production company Archewell, Meghan and Harry continue to work on upcoming content, including a film adaptation of “The Wedding Date” and a scripted series tied to “Polo,” which they previously produced.
They’re also developing a new, currently untitled drama centered on the world of polo. Set in Wellington, Florida, the series “revolves around the messy dynamics between two rival teams and the families that lead them.”
The project is said to draw inspiration from Harry’s longtime passion for the sport and build on his previous polo-focused docuseries.
Prince Harry And Meghan’s Business’ Track Record’ Under Scrutiny
Some royal commentators say the abrupt end of one of Meghan’s projects has sparked fresh doubts about her credibility.
Royal analyst Kinsey Schofield argued that “high-value partnerships are built on execution, not just vision or vibes,” noting that the entertainment industry ultimately rewards proven performance. She suggested that without steady output, even high-profile figures can lose momentum in a crowded streaming landscape.
Meanwhile, expert Hilary Fordwich claimed audiences are growing “weary and leery” with what she described as the couple’s recurring “grievance-driven royal content,” adding that their work has struggled to resonate.
According to Fordwich, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are increasingly seen as distanced from royal life.
She added, “Their track record of a failed brand is as bad as their plummeting poll numbers and dreadful viewership of each of their underwhelming failed ventures.”
