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Royal Expert Claims Meghan Markle is 'Unfazed' as 'Star Power is Fading' — But Harry Feels Hurt

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry visit Abel Tasman National Park. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry visit Abel Tasman National Park. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Dec. 08 2025, Published 10:17 AM. ET
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were embraced warmly by Americans in 2020, celebrated as a refreshing addition to California's already wide celebrity pool. Markle's story of falling in love with a prince and subsequent royal exit to pursue freedom, a value championed in the West, made her an intriguing figure. But over time, the allure has faded. With little new to offer to the public, the couple’s shine has dimmed. Harry, in particular, is allegedly growing increasingly frustrated as he adjusts to a world where star power must be constantly earned. It's different from the sheltered royal bubble he previously inhabited, where the spotlight was a given.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry speak onstage during Project Healthy Minds' World Mental Health Day Festival in 2023. Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Bryan Bedder
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry speak onstage during Project Healthy Minds' World Mental Health Day Festival in 2023. (Image Source: Getty Images | Bryan Bedder)

While Markle reportedly views criticism as nothing more than 'noise,' Harry allegedly has taken every attack personally. Hollywood’s unpredictable ecosystem has proven challenging for him as he navigates public scrutiny without the insulation of the Firm. Fiercely protective of his wife and children, he is said to be clinging to the last threads of his former stature. Weighing in on the same, royal expert Kinsey Schofield told Fox News Digital, “Their star power is fading."

Schofield also noted that the royal family will maintain their distance from the couple as long as Markle continues to use her title for business. "As long as the family keeps that distance, Harry’s popularity will continue to suffer," he opined. The podcast host also shed light on how the plummeting spotlight will frustrate the royal because he has already experienced the dopamine that comes from being adored. 

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, departs the Royal Courts of Justice on March 27, 2023 in London, England. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo)
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, departs the Royal Courts of Justice on March 27, 2023, in London. (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo)

"Their confidence in leaving the royal family was rooted in their perceived popularity. They’ll keep putting themselves out there because they need to make money, but Meghan’s commercial ambitions conflict with Harry’s desire to rebuild royal bridges," explained Schofield. The expert also opined that Markle and Harry are quite opposite in handling criticism. Markle is usually dismissive of criticism, while Harry takes it deeply to heart. "Meghan grew up Hollywood-hardened, while Harry is more easily wounded," Schofield stressed. She added, "It’s mutually beneficial for them to keep up appearances — to look united and content — because they both need their commercial ventures to succeed."

Schofield continued, "Harry is the opposite. He was raised with the mantra ‘never complain, never explain.’ The real difference is that Meghan doesn’t actively seek out negative feedback, while Harry can’t help himself." According to Schofield, every negative comment affects him, and it is one of the primary reasons why the couple continues to campaign against cyberbullying.

Meghan Markle speaks onstage during the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit. (Image Source: Getty Images | Leigh Vogel)
Meghan Markle speaks onstage during the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit. (Image Source: Getty Images | Leigh Vogel)

Schofield also weighed in on what the future may hold for the couple, suggesting that 2026 will likely see Markle further aligning herself with the Kardashians and other Hollywood power players. "I expect her to launch something in the beauty arena. Harry and Meghan will continue relying heavily on each other because they’ve alienated so many people," she anticipates. According to Schofield, Markle remains the 'primary decision-maker' in the partnership, an influence that will likely shape the direction of their brand and public strategy moving forward

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