Amanda Holden, the well-known Britain’s Got Talent judge, is no stranger to voicing her opinions, and this time her candid remarks were directed at none other than Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. In a moment that has now gone viral, Holden took to her Heart Radio show to discuss her views on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. In her typical no-nonsense style, she expressed her lack of interest in the couple’s life in California, delivering a blow with her comment, “None of us really care” and adding, “You are no royalty!”
These remarks, made in front of a large audience, left many wondering how Harry and Meghan might have reacted. The couple, who have already been the subject of widespread media scrutiny since stepping back from their royal duties, are no strangers to criticism. But Holden’s remarks seem to have touched a nerve, adding to the complex narrative surrounding their post-royal life.
Amanda Holden’s Stinging Criticism: What Was Said?
On her Heart Radio show, Amanda Holden didn’t hold back when discussing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. She openly criticized the couple, suggesting that their relevance was fading, especially among British audiences who have grown tired of the ongoing drama surrounding their move to the United States.
Holden’s remarks came in response to the constant media coverage of Harry and Meghan’s life in California, their deals with media companies like Netflix and Spotify, and their frequent public statements about their experiences with the royal family. The Britain’s Got Talent judge seemed to voice a sentiment shared by a portion of the public: a growing indifference toward the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s life post-royalty.
Her most scathing remark, however, was when she said, “You are no royalty!” This statement hit hard, as it directly questioned the couple’s standing as royal figures, given that they officially stepped back from their royal duties in 2020.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Reaction: Stiff and Embarrassed?
While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did not publicly respond to Amanda Holden’s comments, insiders have suggested that the couple was left feeling “stiff” and embarrassed by the criticism. The couple, who have made a life for themselves in Montecito, California, have faced their share of backlash from the media, but Holden’s sharp words appear to have struck a particularly sensitive chord.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been on the receiving end of both praise and criticism since their departure from royal duties, but the British public’s reaction, particularly from notable figures like Amanda Holden, often carries more weight. Many believe that Holden’s remarks may have embarrassed the couple, especially given the directness of her statement that they “are no royalty.”
This moment raises questions about how the couple handles such harsh critiques and what impact this continued negative attention might have on their public image, especially as they attempt to build a brand and life outside of the royal family.
The Bigger Picture: Public Sentiment Toward Harry and Meghan
Amanda Holden’s criticism is reflective of a broader sentiment that has been growing in the UK and beyond regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. While the couple once enjoyed widespread public support, especially following their fairy tale wedding in 2018, their decision to step back from royal duties and subsequent media appearances have divided public opinion.
Here are some of the main points fueling the ongoing debate:
1. Media Overexposure
Since moving to the United States, Prince Harry and Meghan have been involved in numerous media projects, including a highly-publicized interview with Oprah Winfrey, a Netflix docuseries, and Harry’s tell-all memoir Spare. While these ventures have provided them with a platform to share their side of the story, many feel that the couple is overexposed. Amanda Holden’s comments reflect the fatigue that some members of the public are experiencing over the constant media attention surrounding the pair.
2. Perceived Hypocrisy
One of the major criticisms that Harry and Meghan face is the perceived hypocrisy between their desire for privacy and their frequent media appearances. Some argue that while the couple has expressed frustration with the invasive nature of the British tabloids, they have willingly shared intimate details about their lives through interviews, books, and documentaries. Holden’s remark that “none of us really care” echoes the sentiment of those who believe the couple’s actions contradict their stated desire for a more private life.
3. Strained Royal Relationships
The ongoing tensions between Harry and his family, particularly with his brother Prince William and father King Charles III, continue to be a topic of public interest. While Harry and Meghan have spoken openly about their struggles within the royal family, many feel that the couple’s continued airing of grievances is unnecessary and harmful to the institution of the monarchy. Amanda Holden’s statement that they are “no royalty” reflects the view of those who believe that Harry and Meghan have distanced themselves too far from the royal family to still be considered part of it.
4. Cultural Differences Between the US and UK
Since moving to California, Harry and Meghan have embraced a more American approach to public life, involving themselves in Hollywood, philanthropy, and media deals. This has led to a cultural divide in how they are perceived in the UK versus the US. In the UK, where traditional royal values are more deeply ingrained, their actions have been viewed with skepticism. Amanda Holden’s remarks likely resonate more with the British public, while many in the US continue to support the couple’s efforts to redefine their roles outside of the royal family.
Why Amanda Holden’s Criticism Matters
Amanda Holden’s criticism, while harsh, is significant because it reflects a growing sentiment that Harry and Meghan’s relevance as royals is waning. As public figures, Harry and Meghan have always been subject to scrutiny, but Holden’s comments highlight how the British public, in particular, has become increasingly disinterested in their activities.
Holden, a well-respected media personality in the UK, speaks for a segment of the population that believes Harry and Meghan should either fully embrace their post-royal life or stop relying on their royal titles and connections for public attention. This growing divide between their personal endeavors and their royal connections may lead to even more criticism from prominent figures like Holden in the future.
Potential Impact on Harry and Meghan’s Public Image
For Harry and Meghan, Amanda Holden’s criticism could serve as a wake-up call. As they continue to navigate their roles in the public eye, they must carefully balance their desire for privacy with their ongoing need for media exposure to promote their projects and initiatives.
The couple’s response—or lack thereof—to Holden’s remarks will likely be watched closely by both the media and the public. If they choose to address the criticism, it could provide an opportunity for them to clarify their stance and potentially shift public opinion. However, if they remain silent, it may reinforce the perception that they are out of touch with the British public and their expectations of royal figures.
The Role of British Media in Shaping Public Opinion
It’s important to recognize the role that the British media plays in shaping public opinion about Harry and Meghan. Figures like Amanda Holden, who have large platforms and a wide audience, have the power to influence how the public views the couple. Holden’s comments reflect not only her personal opinion but also the opinions of many in the UK who feel disillusioned by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s actions since stepping back from royal duties.
The British press, known for its critical coverage of the couple, has often amplified these sentiments, creating a cycle of negative attention that has followed Harry and Meghan since their departure from the royal family. While the couple has attempted to counter this narrative through their media ventures, it remains to be seen whether they can successfully rebuild their public image, particularly in the UK.
5 FAQs About Amanda Holden’s Criticism of Harry and Meghan
1. What did Amanda Holden say about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle?
Amanda Holden criticized Harry and Meghan on her Heart Radio show, stating that “none of us really care” about their lives in California and bluntly adding, “You are no royalty!”
2. How did Harry and Meghan react to Amanda Holden’s comments?
While Harry and Meghan have not publicly responded to Amanda Holden’s remarks, sources suggest that the couple may have been left feeling embarrassed by the criticism.
3. Why is Amanda Holden’s criticism significant?
Holden’s remarks reflect a growing indifference toward Harry and Meghan among the British public and highlight the perceived hypocrisy between their desire for privacy and their ongoing media presence.
4. How are Harry and Meghan perceived in the UK versus the US?
In the UK, many view the couple’s actions with skepticism, while in the US, there is more support for their efforts to redefine their roles outside of the royal family.
5. What impact could Holden’s criticism have on Harry and Meghan’s public image?
Amanda Holden’s comments could further damage Harry and Meghan’s public image in the UK, reinforcing the perception that they have distanced themselves too far from their royal roots.
