Meghan and Harry ‘insensitive’ for business ventures amid ‘family issues’, says royal expert

The recent business ventures undertaken by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have drawn criticism from certain quarters, with a royal expert on GBN America characterizing their timing as “insensitive” due to the concurrent health challenges faced by members of the Royal Family.

It has been reported that both King Charles and the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, have been diagnosed with cancer this year, though the specific types have not been disclosed. They are currently undergoing treatment for their respective diagnoses.

Coincidentally, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s business endeavors have coincided with the Duchess of Cambridge’s health issues. Since signing a reported $100 million deal with Netflix in 2020, the couple has released three docuseries: Harry & Meghan, Heart of Invictus, and Live to Lead. Furthermore, during a Netflix event in February 2024 to announce upcoming projects, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, revealed that the pair has several additional projects in “very early development”, including a movie, a TV show, and a few unscripted shows.

The timing of these business ventures has drawn criticism from a royal watcher and socialite, who deemed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s actions as “insensitive” in light of the Royal Family’s current health struggles.

In April 2024, Netflix unveiled two projects that are currently in production this year. The first project is a cooking series spearheaded by Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, where the former Suits star will “celebrate the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship.”

The second series will provide an inside look into the world of professional polo, primarily filmed at the US Open Polo Championship in Wellington, Florida. The royal couple was seen at the Royal Salute Polo Challenge on April 12, and subsequently, Prince Harry was observed filming the show on April 13.

In addition to these projects, Meghan recently launched a new venture, a lifestyle brand named American Riviera Orchard. According to the trademark filing application, the brand will offer home decor, kitchen utilities, and a range of spreads and preserves, including jellies, jams, and nut butter. Meghan sent American Riviera Orchard-branded jars of strawberry jam gift baskets to 50 friends and celebrities.

Lizzie Cundy, a former friend of Meghan and royal expert, appeared on GBN America and criticized the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for their timing. Lizzie claimed that Meghan is “not reading the room” and is attempting to reestablish herself as “a Gwyneth Paltrow type.” She further stated that all of Harry and Meghan’s business ventures are “not really relatable.”

The remarks made regarding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been met with a formal tone of disapproval. The allegations of insensitivity towards the Royal Family’s personal circumstances and the criticism of their perceived self-absorption have been expressed in a manner that conveys a sense of propriety and decorum.

Furthermore, the disparaging comments directed at the Duchess’s lifestyle brand and her alleged actions towards the Princess of Wales have been articulated in a formal and restrained manner, albeit with a clear undertone of condemnation.

In contrast, the defense offered by the actress Melissa McCarthy has been presented in a more measured and diplomatic fashion. Her remarks acknowledge the unwarranted attacks faced by the Duchess and express concern over the broader societal issue of targeting accomplished women without justification, all while maintaining a formal and respectful tone.