Piers Morgan Slams Harry and Meghan For Exploiting a 'Weak Moment' for the Monarchy
The broadcaster claims the Sussexes are positioning themselves as a 'rival royal entity' amid the Andrew controversy.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had long maintained that stepping back as senior working royals did not mean stepping away from service, seeking a ‘half-in-half-out’ arrangement, particularly when it comes to the Commonwealth and global humanitarian work. Now, as they involve themselves in relief efforts connected to Gaza, it appears they are willing to stick their necks out to prove that point — with or without the backing of the Firm.
The timing, however, is sensitive. In Britain, the royal family is still dealing with the fallout from the controversy surrounding the former Prince Andrew, following his arrest last week. Against that backdrop, broadcaster Piers Morgan has criticized what he sees as the Sussexes stepping into the spotlight at a moment of institutional vulnerability. Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored during a conversation with former royal butler Paul Burrell, Morgan said, “Harry and Meghan, who are now on right now in the middle of this unofficial royal tour. Of course, they were going to pop up doing something like this, exploiting a weak moment for the monarchy.”
He went further, suggesting their actions were strategic. “What they're really doing is saying, ‘We are a rival royal entity here, and look at us. We're not involved in this disgusting scandal involving Andrew.’ I think it's very transparent what they're up to. I think it's pretty malevolent what they're up to.”
Morgan described the couple as 'renegade royals,' arguing they have inflicted 'incalculable' damage on the institution. Commenting on the line of succession, Morgan talked of the situation as more than a public relations battle, something that will directly hamper the monarchy. He expressed concern about what he views as a precarious moment for the Crown. “If anything, God forbid, was to happen to William and Kate, and you look down the line, the line of who follows them. Well, their kids are too young. Then you get to Harry. Then you get to Andrew. This is why I say this is a really perilous moment for the royal family,” he said.
Former royal butler Paul Burrell, who was a part of the conversation, said the fall from grace for Mountbatten-Windsor has also led to the fall of goodwill for the monarchy. Referencing recent polling, he noted, “The latest poll shows that only 51% of the United Kingdom supports the monarchy. That's pretty low. Um, we've never been as low as that.”
Morgan’s criticism of the Sussexes is consistent with a long-running and very public feud. His outspoken views — particularly on Markle — previously sparked major controversy during his tenure on Good Morning Britain. In March 2021, he left the programme with immediate effect after delivering scathing criticism of the Duke and Duchess’s interview with Oprah Winfrey.
