No matter how many interviews he gives or how far he moves from royal life, Prince Harry continues to find himself at the center of public scrutiny.
Once the most beloved royal, he now faces growing criticism, not just for what he does—but often for what he says.
And his attempts to speak his truth have only sparked more confusion and controversy.
A Mental Health Awakening or a Royal Misstep?
When Harry encouraged people to leave their jobs in pursuit of a “mental health awakening,” it sounded well-meaning—until you consider his own path.
After stepping back from royal duties, he relocated to a luxurious £10 million mansion in Montecito with Meghan Markle.
Critics were quick to point out the irony of such advice coming from someone with access to generational wealth, millions from Princess Diana, and a trust fund from the Queen Mother.
For many, that moment summed up a pattern: Harry may have left the Firm, but he hasn’t quite figured out how to relate to the everyday person.
The “Queen Protection” Comment That Raised Eyebrows
Back in April 2022, Harry made a surprise visit to Windsor Castle with Meghan before heading to the postponed 2020 Invictus Games in The Hague.
In a sit-down interview with Hoda Kotb, he spoke fondly of the Queen and said he was making sure she was “protected and had the right people around her.”
While it may have sounded sweet, royal insiders didn’t take it lightly.
Charles was reportedly baffled by the remark, and it came across as a dig at the people already supporting the Queen. It also echoed claims from Harry and Meghan’s Oprah interview that the Queen had been badly advised—further fueling tension within the family.
Critics Call Out Harry’s Contradictions
Giles Coren from The Times poked fun at Harry’s statement, joking, “If he doesn’t keep his grandmother on the straight and narrow, who knows what could happen?”
The remark might’ve sounded protective, but to many it was another example of Harry sounding unaware of how his words land.
The criticism didn’t stop there. Royal biographer Tom Quinn noted in Gilded Youth that Harry’s complaints about being “cut off financially” ignored the fact that he had inherited a massive fortune.
Combine that with speeches about climate change followed by private jet travel, and public frustration has only grown.
From Popular Prince to Divisive Figure
Polls tell the story clearly. In November 2017, Harry had a sky-high approval rating of 81%.
Fast forward to May 2025, and that number has dropped to just 27%.
Meghan’s numbers are even lower, sitting at 20%.
Between Megxit, the Spare memoir, and ongoing legal fights, Harry and Meghan’s image has shifted dramatically.
One major blow came recently when Harry lost his appeal over security protection while in the UK.
It wasn’t just a personal defeat—it reportedly cost British taxpayers £100,000, further adding to the public’s irritation.
The Lawsuit, the Book, and the Growing Divide
After the court ruling, Harry didn’t hold back.
He told the media: “This is a good old-fashioned Establishment stitch-up.”
It was a bold claim—and one that didn’t do much to ease tensions.
Royal watchers like Ingrid Seward have summed up the situation bluntly: “He chooses to be the victim and wreak vengeance.”
Her take is that Harry’s pain and frustration have now turned into a cycle of lawsuits, tell-alls, and growing distance from his family.
Could a “Spare 2” Be on the Horizon?
Now that the dust is settling on the latest legal defeat, many are wondering: Is another bombshell memoir coming? A follow-up to Spare could be in the works, and that possibility is stirring fresh anxiety inside royal circles.
Harry has claimed that King Charles isn’t even speaking to him.
That silence doesn’t just highlight the emotional rift—it adds fuel to rumors of more revelations to come.
A Timeline of the Royal Rift
Here’s a quick rundown of key moments that shaped the divide:
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January 2020 – Harry and Meghan announce they’re stepping back
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March 2020 – They officially move to California
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March 2021 – The Oprah interview airs
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April 2021 – Harry returns for Prince Philip’s funeral
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December 2022 – Their Netflix docuseries drops
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January 2023 – Spare is published
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May 2023 – Harry attends King Charles’s coronation solo
Each milestone has chipped away at what was once a strong public image—and has left the door to reconciliation only slightly ajar.
What’s Next for Harry and the Royals?
At this point, it’s hard to say if healing is possible.
Between private disappointment and public backlash, Prince Harry seems caught in a royal no-man’s-land—unwelcome by some in his family, and misunderstood by much of the public.
And if the rumors of another memoir are true, it’s likely that more drama is still to come.
