Meghan Markle recently found herself at the center of satire in the popular television series "The Boys."
The show's creators introduced a character that appeared to be a thinly veiled parody of Meghan, poking fun at her public persona and the controversies surrounding her departure from royal duties. In an episode titled "Life Among the Septics," both Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are mentioned. A character in the series quips, "Ever since she sat down with Harry and that monarchy, people will believe anything."
This episode, the second of the fourth season, was released on June 13, 2024, on Amazon Prime Video. The show doesn't shy away from using explicit language and satire to make its points, describing the trio of Oprah, Harry, and Meghan in a less than flattering light.
Meghan's mockery in "The Boys" has sparked discussions about her public image, particularly following her and Harry's highly publicized departure from their roles as senior royals in 2020. Their decision to step back was driven by a desire for a more private life and dissatisfaction with Meghan's treatment by the press and perceived lack of support from the palace. They hoped to protect their children from the pressures and scrutiny of royal life. Since then, Harry and Meghan have made headlines with documentaries and interviews about their royal experiences. However, as time passes, some experts suggest their relevance is waning, especially as their stories about their royal struggles become less novel.
One commentator, Hilary Fordwich, noted that their value in the public eye was heavily tied to their royal connections. She pointed out that their Hollywood friendships seemed transient, exemplified by Gwyneth Paltrow's recent support for Kate Middleton at Trooping the Colour, signaling a shift away from Harry and Meghan. Despite the ebb and flow of their public image, Harry and Meghan are reportedly content with their lives in the United States. They are raising their two children in California, and Meghan is in the process of launching a lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. While the official launch date for her brand remains uncertain, she has been sending products to high-profile individuals to generate buzz.
Harry, on the other hand, continues to focus on his passion projects, particularly the Invictus Games. He is currently working on launching the inaugural Winter Invictus Games, set to take place in Vancouver in 2025. This event aims to build on the success of the original Invictus Games, showcasing the resilience and spirit of wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women.
The satire in "The Boys" and the commentary it sparked underscore the challenges that Harry and Meghan face as they navigate their post-royal lives. While they have achieved financial independence and continue to pursue personal and professional endeavors, their connection to the royal family remains a defining aspect of their public identity. The public's perception of them is complex and often polarized, with some admiring their courage to step away from royal duties and others critical of their continued public presence.
As they move forward, Harry and Meghan will need to carve out a sustainable identity beyond their royal ties. Whether through Meghan's lifestyle brand or Harry's philanthropic efforts, their future will likely depend on their ability to remain relevant and influential in a world that's constantly shifting its attention.
