The atmosphere at the Montecito home of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry is reportedly tense.
Despite their departure from royal duties and attempts to build independent careers, the couple continues to face numerous challenges and setbacks. According to a recent blind item, Meghan has allegedly restricted Harry from taking additional surfing lessons with a female instructor, highlighting the athleticism of female surfers and contrasting it with Meghan's own appearance. Such personal comments only add to the public scrutiny that the couple endures.
Since stepping down from their royal roles, Meghan and Harry have explored various career paths, but achieving success has been elusive. Their ventures, including the Heart of Invictus documentary, have largely underperformed and failed to make a significant impact in either the UK or the US. This string of disappointments has reportedly contributed to a strained household atmosphere as they await the launch of Meghan's new cooking show on Netflix. This show represents a crucial project for Meghan, especially following several high-profile failures. Their previous endeavors, such as the "Live to Lead" series and their Spotify deal, were met with poor reception and criticism, adding to the pressure they now face.
Sources close to the couple indicate that the stakes for Meghan's cooking show are high. The success or failure of this project could have significant implications for their future endeavors. According to an insider, if the show fails, it will be a considerable setback, and Meghan is acutely aware of this pressure, which is affecting everyone around her, particularly Harry. The cooking show is part of Meghan's broader efforts to establish a lifestyle brand, which includes cooking, gardening, entertaining, and fostering friendships. However, early criticisms have cast doubts on its potential success. Critics like Rita Bahi from Sky News Australia have described the concept as unappealing and questioned Meghan's role as its presenter.
Adding to the tension is the couple’s differing ambitions. Meghan is eager to expand into new areas and build an empire, while Harry reportedly lacks the same enthusiasm for these pursuits. An insider noted that Harry is supportive but does not expect Meghan to create an empire; he simply wants her to be happy. This divergence in goals has contributed to the growing strain at home, as Meghan pursues her ambitions and Harry remains more grounded with simpler aspirations.
The couple's struggles are not confined to their private lives; their public image has also suffered. Their frequent public grievances and perceived sense of self-importance have drawn significant criticism. Events such as their contentious appearance at the ESPY Awards and the fallout from their Spotify deal have further fueled negative opinions. Notably, the infamous incident in New York City, where the couple alleged a dangerous paparazzi chase, was met with skepticism and ridicule, particularly from American media and celebrities. Comedian Chris Rock’s remarks during his stand-up routine, dismissing the couple's claims of racism within the royal family, exemplify the shifting public sentiment.
As Meghan and Harry navigate these turbulent times, the stakes remain high. The success of Meghan's cooking show could either provide a much-needed boost to their public image or exacerbate their existing struggles. With mounting pressure and ongoing scrutiny, the couple faces an uncertain future as they strive to establish their independent identities away from the British royal family.
