Recent commentary from royal experts has stirred the pot once more, this time regarding the public perception of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in America compared to Prince Andrew, who has faced significant scandal. The discussion was sparked by criticisms of Netflix’s choice to dramatize Prince Andrew’s controversial BBC Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in their series, “The Crown.” Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been told they are “more disliked” in America than disgraced Prince Andrew, claimed an expert.
Speaking with GB News, expert Lee Cohen told host Nana Akua that Andrew “was just beginning to win some thawing in attitudes against him” when Netflix released Scoop to “re-vilify” him. “His advisers did him a great disservice in either not preventing the interview entirely, or at least to ensure that he was properly equipped to face the challenges of modern media scrutiny,” he said.
“Why should Prince Andrew or any living person be made subject to a fictional account of their life with invented dialogue and innuendo? “This is nothing but an attempt to re-vilify, many years on, the Prince again. He was just beginning to win some thawing in attitudes against him.”
To this, Nana chimed in, saying, “I can’t watch The Crown because I think it’s a disgrace, frankly. But it’s Netflix behind this again, isn’t it? “Netflix is behind the Sussex documentaries, The Crown, and now Scoop. I just I think we need to be having a word with Netflix.”
One royal commentator has harshly criticized the streaming giant for choosing to revisit the Duke of York’s scandal, while simultaneously drawing parallels between the public’s reception of Prince Andrew and that of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The conversation intensified during a media interaction, where another expert, referred to simply as Nana, expressed a disdainful view of “The Crown,” describing it as a “disgrace.”
This sentiment stems from a broader discontent with how the series, and Netflix more broadly, handle royal affairs. Adding fuel to the fire, Cohen, another commentator joining the discussion, agreed with Nana’s sentiments and went further to claim that in America, Prince Harry and Meghan are viewed even more unfavorably than Prince Andrew.
He attributed this to the Sussexes’ open criticisms and actions that many perceive as direct attacks against the Royal Family. This statement underscores a significant shift in public sentiment, considering Prince Andrew’s deeply tarnished reputation following allegations of sexual misconduct and his subsequent withdrawal from public royal duties.
This evolving narrative highlights a complex landscape of public opinion and media portrayal, where Prince Harry and Meghan’s attempts to carve out a new progressive role within the royal framework have been met with mixed reactions. Their high-profile interviews and media partnerships, aimed at shedding light on their experiences within the Royal Family, have sparked significant debate and division among observers and fans alike.
The couple’s relocation to the United States was intended to provide a fresh start away from the intense scrutiny of the British press, but it appears that controversies continue to follow them. Despite their efforts to advocate for social justice and mental health awareness, their actions and the media’s portrayal of these actions have polarized public opinion.
This comparison between the Sussexes and Prince Andrew in terms of unpopularity raises questions about the nature of celebrity, scandal, and redemption. It also reflects broader societal discussions about the role of the monarchy and its members in the modern world, the impact of media on public figures, and the public’s threshold for forgiveness and condemnation.
As these debates continue, the public’s perception of Prince Harry and Meghan, alongside Prince Andrew, is likely to evolve as new developments occur and more information comes to light, shaping how history will view their actions and decisions.
