Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have once again found themselves in the spotlight—this time, for allegedly revising the narrative of how their romance began.
Following the release of a new Netflix trailer for Harry’s upcoming documentary series Polo, critics have accused the couple of attempting to “rewrite history” concerning the details of their first meeting in 2016.
The royal couple first publicly shared their romantic origin story during their 2017 engagement interview. At the time, they revealed they were introduced through a blind date arranged by a mutual friend.
Meghan had described the encounter as a leap of faith, explaining, “It was definitely a set-up. It was a blind date for sure.”
Harry echoed the sentiment, adding that he knew from the moment he saw her that Meghan was “the one.”
This account was widely accepted and became part of the narrative surrounding their fairytale romance, which culminated in their 2018 Windsor Castle wedding.
However, in later accounts, such as their Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan, the couple hinted that Instagram also played a key role in their introduction.
Harry claimed that he first noticed Meghan on the photo-sharing platform, seeing her image in a mutual friend’s post. Intrigued, he reportedly asked about her, which led to their initial contact and subsequent blind date.
This evolution in their story has raised eyebrows, with critics questioning why the couple has offered differing versions of such a significant moment in their relationship.
Richard Eden, the diary editor for The Mail, has been particularly vocal in his skepticism. Speaking on Palace Confidential, Eden accused Meghan of attempting to revise the story of their relationship’s beginnings.
“There’s one version that was out at the time, and now she’s trying to say, no, that’s not what happened at all,” he remarked.
Eden suggested that altering such details could undermine the couple’s credibility, especially as they continue to navigate their roles as public figures outside the royal family.
Eden’s sentiments were echoed by BBC journalist Mishal Husain, who has also criticized any attempts to alter historical accounts.
Husain, who conducted the Sussexes’ engagement interview in 2017, has previously expressed skepticism about some of the narratives presented by the couple.
Husain warned that altering past stories could diminish trust, especially given the scrutiny that Harry and Meghan face from both supporters and detractors.
The timing of these criticisms coincides with the release of the trailer for Harry’s highly anticipated Netflix series, Polo, set to debut on December 10.
The two-minute teaser promises an exclusive look at the high-stakes, glamorous world of polo, a sport Harry has been passionate about for years.
The trailer, released on Thursday, teases breathtaking action, intimate behind-the-scenes moments, and Harry’s reflections on the sport.
Netflix’s accompanying caption reads, “Polo, a behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced and glamorous world of the sport, is coming to Netflix on December 10.”
While the series focuses on polo, critics suggest that the timing of the project may reignite discussions about the couple’s narrative strategies, particularly as they continue to share their personal stories through various media projects.
Read More: Kate Middleton Takes Major Step After Secret Meeting at Windsor Castle
The public response to these allegations has been divided, much like the overall reception of the Sussexes in recent years.
Supporters argue that the evolving narrative is simply a reflection of how memories can change or become more nuanced over time.
They contend that the core of their story—an unexpected meeting leading to a whirlwind romance—remains intact, regardless of the specifics.
On the other hand, detractors see the changing details as emblematic of a larger pattern, accusing the couple of crafting their story for public consumption in ways that serve their current image.
The debate over how Harry and Meghan met may seem trivial, but it underscores the challenges they face as public figures who are constantly under scrutiny.
In stepping away from their roles as senior royals, the Sussexes have sought to reclaim control of their narrative, but this has also made them vulnerable to accusations of inconsistency.
As they continue to navigate life outside the royal institution, their storytelling—whether through interviews, documentaries, or public statements—remains a focal point for both fans and critics.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s journey from royal life to private ventures has been anything but smooth. The allegations of rewriting their love story reflect the complexities of maintaining authenticity in the public eye.
As Harry prepares for the release of Polo on Netflix, the couple will undoubtedly face renewed scrutiny.
Whether the criticisms about their evolving narrative fade or fuel further controversy will depend on how they address their detractors—and how their audience chooses to interpret their story.
