One can only hope, for the Duke of Sussex’s own good, that he hasn’t severed ties with absolutely everyone.
What on earth has become of Prince Harry? It’s a question many have been pondering for quite some time—especially after Meghan’s alleged bullying claims, the release of Spare, the Oprah interview, and his gradual estrangement from friends, his homeland, and—if recent rumors are accurate—even his cousin Beatrice, one of the last remaining relatives he was reportedly still in contact with.
Week by week, the situation seems to unravel further. And now, in an almost poetic twist, his charity Sentebale has come under fire. Its chairwoman, Dr Sophie Chandauka, has accused the organization of “abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny and misogynoir [discrimination against black women].” She didn’t mince words, calling the Sussexes’ brand “toxic” and claiming Harry engaged in “harassment and bullying at scale”—allegations that have been strongly denied.
It’s hard to grasp what’s going on anymore. Meanwhile, Meghan appears to be thriving—taking on TV projects, launching podcasts, and making a point of ingratiating herself among Montecito’s elite.
Does she even care that her husband seems to have undergone a complete transformation? It’s hard to reconcile today’s Prince Harry with the one who once charmed the nation, joked with Usain Bolt, fooled around with his mates, and gave the impression that life was carefree and fun. One wonders whether the drugs he once admitted to taking have left a more lasting mark than he realized. His relevance is slipping away.
Sentebale and the Invictus Games once gave Harry a clear sense of direction and meaning. Now, it seems like he’s living in a golden cage, aimlessly watching as Meghan leverages their royal ties to boost her own profile—something she likely couldn’t have achieved on her own. And it’s doubtful he sees that it’s only his royal lineage that keeps the spotlight on them at all.
Harry appears to lack awareness of the pain and damage he’s caused. If I were William or Catherine, I’d keep my distance too. The bitterness runs too deep.
Still, one hopes there’s at least one old friend he hasn’t alienated completely. Because when it all starts to collapse—as it very well might—Harry is going to be in dire need of someone in his corner.