In what can only be described as a tumultuous year for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, leading royal expert Raffi Haidel-Mankoo has labeled 2023 as disastrous for Harry and Meghan.
The couple faced a series of setbacks that left them exposed to ridicule and criticism on a global scale.
The year began on a sour note with plummeting ratings for their Netflix docuseries and the controversial memoir released by Prince Harry.
As the months unfolded, the Sussexes found themselves embroiled in a near-catastrophic car chase incident during a visit to New York, further denting their public image.
Additionally, Spotify announced the termination of their partnership with the couple, adding to their woes.
Despite some fleeting moments of success, such as the triumphant Invictus Games in September and Harry's legal victory in a phone hacking case, the release of Omid Scobie's book “Endgame” dealt a severe blow to hopes of reconciliation between Harry, Meghan, and the royal family.
Speaking to GB News, Haidel-Mankoo remarked on the couple's downward spiral, attributing it to the release of two disastrous books, the negative reception of “Spare,” and the fallout from their global privacy tour.
The couple found themselves at the receiving end of mockery from various media outlets, including being parodied on late-night talk shows and ridiculed by popular animated series like Family Guy.
The situation worsened when Harry and Meghan faced backlash for their silence on claims made by Scobie in his book, despite calls from experts to distance themselves from the author.
Most recently, Meghan was branded a narcissist by tech radio host Kim Comando during one of her shows, reflecting a growing sentiment of disillusionment towards the couple in American media circles.
The move to California, once seen as a strategic decision to establish themselves as American royals, backfired as they became the subject of unflattering comparisons, with some likening them to turkeys served on Thanksgiving.
PR guru Mark Bukowski warned that the couple needed to rethink their approach if they wished to remain relevant in the coming year.
He emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving landscape of show business, where success and financial gains dictate one's standing.
Bukowski's assessment painted a stark picture of uncertainty for Harry and Meghan, suggesting that 2024 could either mark a resurgence or the downfall of their brand.
He underscored the need for a strategic shift to avoid fading into obscurity, as the industry's tolerance for underperformance dwindles.
The ongoing scrutiny surrounding the Sussexes was likened to a black hole, with negativity finding no place in the unforgiving realm of Tinseltown.
As the new year looms ahead, the challenges facing Harry and Meghan appear more daunting than ever.
The couple's ability to navigate the turbulent waters of public opinion and media scrutiny will determine the trajectory of their future, with the specter of irrelevance looming large.
Amidst the swirling uncertainties, one thing remains clear – the road ahead for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is fraught with obstacles that demand a strategic and decisive response.
