Prince Harry, Meghan Markle ‘won’t get redemption’ in 2024
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may be viewing the new year as a chance to “redeem” themselves in the eyes of the public but a royal expert says it’s going to take a lot more than “words”.
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry won’t get the “year of redemption” they are hoping for in 2024, according to a royal author.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to be planning to have a fresh start, after backlash last year for their Netflix documentary and Prince Harry’s bombshell biography Spare.
“Harry and Meghan have let it be known that they see 2024 as their year of redemption, to which my reaction is good luck with that,” royal expert and author Phil Dampier told The Sun.
“It’s a trite phrase dreamt up by their Hollywood PR people and in reality means very little.
“Actions speak louder than words and the Sussexes need to do things which will convince the public [in Britain and the US] that they want to redeem themselves, not just talk about it.”
On Christmas Day, the Sussexes’ absence was again strikingly apparent when the rest of the Royal Family – including King Charles, Prince William and Kate Middleton – attended church at Sandringham. The Sussexes’ have not spent Christmas with the Royal Family since 2018.
But, while they were again absent, for the first time in years, Sarah Ferguson was among the guest list, which Mr Dampier claims sent a strong message.
“The royals put on a show of unity at Christmas, with even Prince Andrew’s ex-wife Fergie being allowed to walk to church and join them for lunch,” he said.
“The message was clear – everyone was welcome except Harry and Meghan.”
Mr Dampier claimed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex won’t be able to “compete” with the Prince and Princess of Wales.
“I think the penny has finally dropped with them [the Sussexes] that they can never compete with an ancient institution admired around the world, particularly the good will still lingering from the late Queen’s reign,” Mr Dampier said.
“William and Kate have never been more popular and the Sussexes can’t hold a candle to them.
“Even in America people are fed up with their constant moaning and want them to do something positive.
“Just turning up at the occasional charity event or being seen at concerts and baseball games isn’t enough.”
Mr Dampier speculated that 2024 could be even more difficult for the beleaguered couple.
“There are no Invictus Games this year – Harry’s one success story – so that won’t help him,” he said.
“She will probably relaunch herself with some sort of lifestyle business similar to Gwyneth Paltrow, and let’s hope she goes down that route rather than writing her own book, which would be another bombshell for all concerned.
“But she is clearly planning big things for herself, maybe in film or TV production, or even some acting.”
If the couple do want to “redeem” themselves, Mr Dampier said they should start with repairing their relationship with Ms Markle’s father, Thomas.
“If they truly want to redeem themselves they should get down to Mexico and see her father Thomas Markle before it’s too late,” Mr Dampier said.
“Whatever he did in the past he surely doesn’t deserve to never see his grandchildren.
“Harry has never met him and I think the way he has been treated is cruel and sadistic.
“The King is also being deprived of seeing Archie and Lilibet, and that is also unfair.”
It’s thought the couple may move from Montecito to Los Angeles to position themselves nearer to Hollywood and the entertainment industry.
And Ms Markle has joined global entertainment powerhouse agency, WME, ahead of her long-planned relaunch in the New Year.
Industry insiders have suggested that the Duchess is being approached about everything from film roles to multimillion-dollar endorsement deals with major brands.
Reports of an acting comeback came after she appeared in a playful Instagram ad for a coffee company, a firm she holds shares in.
The cameo appearance sees the former Suits star doing multiple roles at coffee company Clevr Blends, including packing, working on the digital team, and on the operations team.
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Originally published as Prince Harry, Meghan Markle ‘won’t get redemption’ in 2024
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