As Thanksgiving passes in Montecito, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s glittering lifestyle faces new challenges. Meghan’s highly anticipated lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, has requested a three-month extension to amend her trademark application, while her Netflix cooking series is set to release in early 2024.
Additionally, the Sussexes’ charity, Archewell, is preparing to file its tax return, which will reveal its financials and likely attract public scrutiny.
More immediately, the couple faces the release of Harry: The Lost Prince, a documentary airing in Germany this week. The film examines whether Harry and Meghan have truly achieved “freedom” and become globally influential figures.
According to documentary filmmaker Ulrike Grunewald, the answer is “No.” She argues that despite their high aspirations to be global benefactors, they have not yet lived up to the image they’ve cultivated.
What did Grunewald find?
Grunewald, who traveled to Montecito for her documentary, found that the Sussexes have not integrated into the elite circles of their wealthy neighborhood. Despite their royal status, they remain largely isolated, seldom seen in town and rarely participating in social activities.
Their charitable foundation, Archewell, also appears to be struggling. Donations dropped significantly in 2022, and Harry and Meghan reportedly work only one hour a week for the organization.
Grunewald further explored the Invictus Games, which garnered positive attention during the 2023 event in Dsseldorf. However, reports revealed that it cost German taxpayers 40 million euros, undermining the goodwill.
The next Invictus Games are scheduled for February 2024 in Vancouver, funded in part by the Canadian government, but leadership issues within the organization have raised concerns.
Despite these setbacks, Harry remains committed to his charitable endeavors, particularly Invictus, which royal reporter Jack Royston believes is genuine work. However, Grunewald suggests that the Sussexes’ initial power duo image has shifted, with the couple now appearing separately and their influence waning.
As their popularity drops-approval ratings in the UK and US are now below 30 percent-the couple must work hard to restore their public image. Nonetheless, Meghan recently continued her philanthropic efforts by hosting a dinner for Afghan women, and their Archewell Foundation remains active. But whether their ambitions will lead to lasting success remains uncertain.