Experts Say Scrutiny Over Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Is Going to "Get Worse"
Last night on ABC News, "Royal Divide: Harry, Meghan, and the Crown" studied how, contrary to their hopes, scrutiny on them will likely increase.
- Last night on ABC News, a special about Harry and Meghan studied how, contrary to their hopes, scrutiny on them will likely increase.
- Harry said he was stepping back for the sake of privacy and protection, and his friends explained more about his reasoning.
- Princess Diana herself stepped back from royal life in 1993, and her speech and Harry's sound eerily similar.
In an ABC News special last night called "Royal Divide: Harry, Meghan, and the Crown," Harry's friends, alongside media and royal experts, weighed in on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepping back as senior royals—which entails their living more independently in Canada, making their own income, and possibly paying for their own security. But experts believe their desire to have more privacy might backfire on them.
"The idea that by somehow stepping back from the royal family they’re going to somehow regain control of their privacy is tragically a fool's errand," said managing partner of 10Ten Media and former People magazine editor Larry Hackett. "That’s just not going to happen. In fact it’s going to get worse."
"Every single moment in their lives, whether it's the first major commercial deal that Meghan and Harry have just struck, or their next child, every single moment will be tracked," explained James Longman, ABC News foreign correspondent. "This is high stakes."
The couple have already made it clear that they're no longer going to work with the royal rota system, which allows a small group of British royal reporters access to photos and stories that are then disseminated. Now, they hope to work with diverse publications, but it also means many more news sources could conceivably report on the couple and their son.
"I think that actually Harry and Meghan are going to get into more difficulties with paparazzi," said Anna Pasternak, British author of Princess in Love. "There'll be less of an organized structure around them every time they go to an event." She added, "We saw it with Harry’s mother."
Real talk: I'm not sure this isn't anything Harry and Meghan haven't already thought of. They're still pursuing ongoing litigation with British publications and have issued a warning about the use of paparazzi photos about them. They're smart, they're savvy, and they're doing all they can to have a normal life—while still understanding there'll be heightened interest for a while.
A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal)
A photo posted by on
Longtime friend of Harry's, polo player Nacho Figueras, explained that Harry suffered a lot from royal scrutiny. "He's being a father...a guy who is trying to protect his cub and his lioness from whatever it takes," he said. "He has become an incredible man, a man that his mother would be proud of."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Katherine’s a contributing syndications editor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. In her role, she writes stories that are syndicated by MSN and other outlets. She’s been a full-time freelancer for over a decade and has had roles with Cosmopolitan (where she covered lifestyle, culture, and fashion SEO content) and Bustle (where she was their movies and culture writer). She has bylines in New York Times, Parents, InStyle, Refinery29, and elsewhere. Her work has also been syndicated by ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Seventeen, Good Housekeeping, and Women’s Health, among others. In addition to her stories reaching millions of readers, content she's written and edited has qualified for a Bell Ringer Award and received a Communicator Award.
Katherine has a BA in English and art history from the University of Notre Dame and an MA in art business from the Sotheby's Institute of Art (with a focus on marketing/communications). She covers a wide breadth of topics: she's written about how to find the very best petite jeans, how sustainable travel has found its footing on Instagram, and what it's like to be a professional advice-giver in the modern world. Her personal essays have run the gamut from learning to dress as a queer woman to navigating food allergies as a mom. She also has deep knowledge of SEO/EATT, affiliate revenue, commerce, and social media; she regularly edits the work of other writers. She speaks at writing-related events and podcasts about freelancing and journalism, mentors students and other new writers, and consults on coursework. Currently, Katherine lives in Boston with her husband and two kids, and you can follow her on Instagram. If you're wondering about her last name, it’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
-
Bella Hadid Swears By an $11 Foundation for Her Even Skin Tone
The supermodel's five-minute makeup routine is surprisingly low-key.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Prince William Gave Queen Elizabeth a Hilarious Nickname Because He Couldn't Pronounce "Granny"
You'll never guess this one.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
'Apple Cider Vinegar' Dramatizes How Two Journalists Uncovered Belle Gibson's Web of Lies—Here's How They Really Did
The Netflix true-crime hit is based on their book 'The Woman Who Fooled The World.'
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Meghan Markle Reluctantly Tries Out Snow Tubing as Prince Harry Coaches Her: "Feet Up!"
"You'll be absolutely fine!" the Duke of Sussex assured his wife.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Exudes Snow Bunny Style in a $1,250 Mackage Puffer at Invictus Games
The Duchess of Sussex bundled up in luxury while visiting Whistler, Canada.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
How Prince Archie Has Been Learning About His Grandma Princess Diana's Charity Work
Prince Harry shared that his 5-year-old son has become curious about one particular topic.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Harry Shares an Emotional Update on How He and Meghan Markle Are Coping After Losing Guy
He made the revelation after meeting a 3-year-old service dog named Thorn at the Invictus Games.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Resurrects Her 'Suits' Character With Witty Remark at the Invictus Games 2025
The Duchess of Sussex has not forgotten Rachel Zane's iconic wardrobe choices.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Came Face to Face With a Funko Pop of Himself in a Sweet Moment with Kids at Invictus Games
Small fans, big moment.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Wears Olive Green for a Children's Story Time Event at the Invictus Games 2025
The Duchess of Sussex arrived in a camel coat before revealing her coordinating sweater, skirt, and heels.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle's Latest Outfit Just Solved a 6-Year-Old Royal Fashion Mystery
Her Invictus Games wardrobe includes a previously unidentified designer coat and a baby alpaca trench.
By Amy Mackelden Published