S Poddar
Well, Prince Harry seems to be forging an independent path, divorcing himself from Meghan Markle’s approach to Hollywood. And it is by no means the first time that a royal historian has spoken out on this issue. Royal historian Hugo Vickers recently spoke to The Sun about what is happening to the Duke of Sussex’s image.
Vickers started by citing Harry’s independent appearances lately. “We have seen Prince Harry make several appearances without Meghan recently, something that highlights Harry unique strengths,” he said of recent solo engagements.
The historian thus opined that Prince Harry truly shines when he is involved in issues close to his heart, such as the case of the Invictus Games and other sporting initiatives. “Of course it’s what he does terribly well when he is doing things with football, Invictus games and sport,” Vickers explained.
In contrast, Vickers said that Harry seems less real when he speaks in what he termed as “California speak,” a style which he believes comes under strong influence from Meghan. “He’s much better at that frankly than when he’s sort of talking what I might call California speak, which seems to have been dictated to him by Meghan,” he added.
These comments underscore a perceived shift in Prince Harry’s public persona. According to Vickers, Harry’s natural charm and appeal come to the forefront when he steps away from what might be seen as Meghan’s direction. “I commend every time he appears, I must say, and I’m sure he’s very popular,” Vickers noted, implying that Harry’s solo appearances resonate more with audiences.
The historian went on to narrate how the dynamics of Harry and Meghan’s partnership played out. “When they’re together, she seems to be the one who’s sort of moving the dialogue on,” he said, suggesting Meghan often takes the lead in their joint appearances.
Vickers went on to comment that this dynamic may not always sit well with Harry. “She appears to be the one with the voice and he appears to be sort of meekly following in her wake,” he said, opining this role does not suit Harry’s taste. “And you know he may not like that so much,” Vickers said in conclusion, referencing this may represent a challenge between the way their public images line up.
This shift in Harry’s image comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the couple’s post-royal life. Both have faced intense media attention as they navigate their roles outside the British monarchy, with Meghan embracing a more Hollywood-centric lifestyle. Harry’s recent appearances suggest a desire to redefine himself within this new context, emphasizing causes and activities that highlight his personal passions.
As the speculation swirls about their dynamic, it will be interesting to see how Harry and Meghan balance being themselves with their shared efforts. Meanwhile, Harry’s solo endeavors are getting notice-they’re providing a fresh glimpse of what, otherwise, feels relatively recognizable: him.
