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It seems Harry cannot do anything right these days.
The prince is facing a barrage of criticism over his recent video call with wife Meghan Markle in which he called out the Commonwealth – which is led by his grandmother, the queen – to “acknowledge” its past wrongs amid the current racial inequality unrest.
The couple, who spoke from Tyler Perry’s mansion in Los Angeles where they’ve been living since moving to California, took part in a virtual meeting with global young leaders from the Commonwealth Trust.
But the duke’s comments, which included that the Commonwealth follow the example of others in trying to “right their past wrongs”, has prompted a furious response from royal experts, who have accused them of “brazenly” disrespecting Her Majesty.
Outspoken critic and TV presenter Piers Morgan dedicated a scathing column in the UK’s Daily Mail to their latest move, branding it a “two-fingered snub” to the queen and the British people.
“I’ve seen less disconcerting hostage videos,” he wrote. “That was my thought as I watched Prince Harry staring blankly into a camera and lecturing the world – yet again – on our need to face up to our privilege.
Others agreed.
“I think to criticise the queen’s life work is disrespectful,” royal commentator and author Robert Jobson told New Zealand newspaper editor Dan Wootton on his radio show.
“I don’t know who is pulling the strings but I have an idea here... to me, Meghan Markle doesn't understand the Commonwealth.
“Harry is frankly just picking bits out that he wants to. It's very easy to criticise something from a distance in a millionaire's mansion. The Commonwealth has actually done a lot of good over the years.”
Making matters worse was Harry’s body language, implying that he was not comfortable in the situation.
“He looked awkward and spoke down to the floor making it look as though he was trapped,” UK body language expert Judi James says.
Social media users agreed, saying the video made for “uncomfortable” viewing. One even suggested the prince looked like he was being “held hostage” on the call.
Judi also notes that Harry appeared to immediately “reflect” on his comments about the Commonwealth as the words left his lips, hinting he possibly understood the impact they would have.
She believes the duchess has “total control of the situation” while Harry seemingly “flails in her wake”.
“Meghan is mesmerising but Harry either repeats her words or adds a ‘Yeah’ after she makes a point,” Judi adds.
The prince also falls short when it comes to trying to express himself, relying on a “lecturing” tone that fails to connect.
“Meghan’s points are made persuasively and her aim seems to be to inspire in a way that is lasting.”
Given that the couple have signed up with top New York public speaking agency Harry Walker in a post-royal career move, we can only hope Harry gets some pointers.
Watch the video here:
Sources: dailymail.co.uk, newshub.co.nz, express.co.uk
