Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have unique nicknames for each other when they are at home.
Meghan once accidentally shared one of these pet names, leading to Harry being playfully mocked by one of his celebrity friends. This incident occurred in 2021 when Harry appeared on an episode of "The Late Late Show with James Corden." During the show, Corden and Harry took a bus tour around Los Angeles. At one point, Corden video-called Meghan, who noticed Harry in the background and asked, "Haz, how is your tour of LA going?" This revealed Harry's nickname. Later, Corden humorously mocked Harry by saying, "I didn't know we were calling you 'Haz'." Harry quickly responded, "Well, you aren't my wife."
Interestingly, despite Corden's friendship with Harry and Meghan, they have not been featured on his new podcast series since its launch in February. Corden's podcast has produced an impressive 20 episodes, but the Sussexes have yet to make an appearance. This absence is particularly notable given Corden's close connection to Harry, who even mentioned him in the acknowledgments section of his book. Corden's decision to exclude Harry and Meghan from his podcast could indicate a significant shift in their relationship. Observers find it intriguing that Corden, who is often seen as opportunistic, has chosen not to invite the Sussexes. This decision might reflect a broader trend of celebrities distancing themselves from Harry and Meghan, possibly due to ongoing controversies surrounding them.
There is speculation that Harry's public relations team might soon request an interview on Corden's podcast, potentially offering a donation to Corden's chosen charity through their foundation, Archewell, as a gesture to mend the apparent rift. Critics of Corden argue that he is as much a grifter as the Sussexes, switching loyalties based on what serves his interests best. There is further speculation that if Harry and Meghan regain popularity, Corden and other Hollywood figures would quickly seek to reestablish connections with them despite any previous distancing. This behavior is seen as typical of Corden, who has been described by some as backstabbing and two-faced, aligning with those who can offer him the most benefit.
Corden's podcast features conversations with leaders from various fields such as business, fashion, sports, and entertainment. Notably, it has deliberately avoided discussing what some cynically term "grifting." Remarkably, Corden has managed to produce 20 episodes in just a few months, a stark contrast to Meghan Markle's struggle to release 12 episodes over a span of two and a half years with her own podcast. This efficiency has led to curiosity about Corden's methods and whether he might reveal his secrets for producing content quickly and effectively.
Corden's previous antics, including the infamous bus tour with Harry, were criticized by many as disrespecting British values and not particularly amusing. These stunts damaged his credibility with a segment of the British public. Despite his prolific podcasting, Corden's efforts to repair his reputation have not always been well-received, with some viewing his actions as more about self-rehabilitation than genuine contribution.
It appears that James Corden is attempting to rehabilitate his public image by engaging with respected figures and distancing himself from controversial ones like Harry and Meghan. This strategic rebranding effort reflects a broader trend where celebrities are acutely aware of their public personas and the potential backlash from associations that may no longer be advantageous. Corden's efficiency in content production and his calculated moves suggest a deliberate effort to enhance his image and navigate away from negative press.
