For once, Montecito has been unusually quiet during a week packed with royal drama.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, known for their outspoken nature, have opted for silence while the spotlight shone on a historic state visit featuring President Trump, First Lady Melania, King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince William with Catherine, Princess of Wales.
But why the sudden restraint? Was it decency? Consideration? A newfound sense of grace? Not exactly.
Not About Grace or Royal Respect
This isn’t about letting King Charles enjoy a highlight of his short reign, nor is it about Meghan embracing her role as an American princess welcoming a U.S. president.
And it’s certainly not because the couple has been humbled by past choices or scandals.
Their silence doesn’t stem from political awareness either.
While Harry’s political stance is unclear, he generally follows Meghan’s lead, and her well-documented disdain for Donald Trump is no secret.
Even recent interviews show her sticking to careful, neutral commentary rather than openly sharing opinions.
Meghan’s Strategic Silence
In a recent Bloomberg interview with Emily Chang, Meghan deflected probing questions about politics with practiced skill.
When asked if she had things she wanted to say but couldn’t, she replied diplomatically: “No, I just make a choice. Of what matters to me and what’s important to me.”
Judging by recent events, what seems most important to Meghan is fame, wealth, adulation, and her husband—likely in that order.
And after recent setbacks, playing nice appears to be the only viable option.
Netflix Setbacks and Public Flops
Meghan’s latest Netflix release, With Love, Meghan, failed to make the streamer’s Top 10 and received scathing reviews on both sides of the Atlantic:
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“Season 2 is as sour as the first” — The Hollywood Reporter
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“Like being gaslit by a multimillionaire” — The Independent
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“Montecito Marie Antoinette” — The Telegraph
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“Painfully contrived” — The Guardian
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“Start therapy now” — Hilary Rose, The Times of London
These setbacks, combined with the scaling back of the Sussexes’ overall Netflix deal, represent a significant public humiliation for the couple.
No Shows and Waning Influence
Their absence at major events has only added to the narrative.
Meghan skipped the Emmy Awards, and both were missing from New York Fashion Week, despite Meghan’s self-styled role as a fashion influencer.
Harry, meanwhile, seems increasingly adrift—without steady work, close friends, or clear purpose in the U.S.
Even a rare summit with King Charles ended with minimal face time—54 minutes after an 11,000-mile journey—underscoring the ongoing tension and distrust within the royal family.
Spinning a Win That Feels Hollow
Despite media spins framing meetings with Charles as victories, the reality feels more complicated.
Harry recently gave an interview to The Guardian, openly stating that he does not regret publishing his memoir Spare, which exposed royal secrets.
“My conscience is clear,” he said, insisting he’s “happier than ever” despite the last four years being a metaphorical firewalk of legal battles and public scrutiny.
The Brutal Reality of State Praise
The state banquet added insult to injury. President Trump praised King Charles and Prince William lavishly, calling the visit “one of the highest honors of my life” and highlighting William as a “remarkable son.”
Ouch. That kind of public admiration must sting for Harry.
Back Under Meghan’s Influence
Now back in Montecito, Harry seems firmly under Meghan’s influence once more.
Her strategic control may aim to help him regain access, rebuild lucrative deals, or gather intelligence—but navigating these ambitions in today’s media landscape is no small feat.
One thing is clear: Montecito’s silence is tactical, calculated, and far from accidental.
But whether it will serve their long-term goals or simply keep them in the shadows of history remains to be seen.