Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have come under intense scrutiny, with royal commentator Piers Morgan likening their public image to the Ebola virus. This comparison stems from their controversial departure from royal duties and the ongoing tensions with the British royal family.
The remarks were made by Morgan in a recent piece for The Daily Mail, where he criticized the couple’s approach to their newfound independence in the United States. Morgan stated,
“The monarchy under King Charles is doing what monarchy does – enduring, calmly above the fray. Whereas Brand Sussex, meanwhile, is now about as popular as Ebola.”
Royal Departure and Public Perception
The comparison to Ebola is a stark reflection of the polarized public perception surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Since stepping back from their royal roles in 2020, Harry and Meghan have faced both support and criticism for their candid discussions on issues such as mental health and race.
Morgan, a long-time critic of the couple, recounted his own professional setbacks following his outspoken views. He notably resigned from his position as a host on breakfast television after refusing to apologize for his comments on Meghan’s mental health revelations during an interview with Oprah Winfrey.
The Era of Cancel Culture
Reflecting on the cultural climate at the time, Morgan described it as an “age of endlessly offended cancel culture,” where public figures were often presumed guilty on sensitive issues. He argued that the couple’s narrative was accepted without question due to the prevailing cultural trends.
He stated,
“We were in the age of endlessly offended cancel culture, when everybody was assumed guilty until proven innocent, especially on socially sensitive matters like race or mental health. Self-certifying as a victim – as Harry and Meghan so publicly did – meant your truth was gospel.”
Changing Cultural Narratives
Morgan suggests that the cultural tides are shifting, with a resurgence of what he terms “straight-talking common sense.” He believes that if Harry and Meghan’s explosive interview were to occur today, the public reaction might be less sympathetic and more critical.
He remarked,
“But that era, I am glad to report, is now over, thanks to a defiant barrage of straight-talking common sense ideas that many people feared were gone for good, the door slamming shut on a decade of outrage, super-sensitivity and censorship.”
Implications for the Sussexes
As public sentiment evolves, the Sussexes’ strategy of leveraging their personal experiences may face new challenges. Morgan concluded his piece with a pointed observation about their approach, hinting that their “woke wave of self-pitying martyrdom” might have been their most strategic move.
The ongoing debate over Harry and Meghan’s role in the royal family and their public image continues to captivate audiences worldwide. As cultural dynamics shift, the couple’s influence and the public’s perception of their actions remain subjects of intense discussion.
