Prince Harry is said to be deeply unsettled as comparisons between Meghan Markle and Sarah Ferguson intensify, with growing fears that his wife may be following in the former Duchess of York’s controversial footsteps. According to royal insiders, Harry is increasingly aware that Meghan’s public image and brand-building choices are drawing uncomfortable parallels to Sarah’s notorious post-royal ventures.
A source close to the Sussex circle revealed to the Mirror that Harry is “aware” of the growing criticism surrounding Meghan’s commercial activities and the perception that she is “cashing in” on her royal connections. “He knows this kind of thing isn’t a great look it feels very Fergie-esque,” the insider explained. “Harry’s used to being universally loved, but now it’s the exact opposite and actively booed.”
This reference to being “actively booed” points to the couple’s awkward experience at the Los Angeles Dodgers game, where spectators reportedly greeted them with a mixture of cheers and jeers. For many royal observers, that moment underscored just how drastically public opinion of the couple has shifted since their fairy-tale wedding in 2018.
The comparison between Meghan and Sarah Ferguson, also known as Fergie, stems from both women’s post-royal efforts to build personal brands through books, interviews, and commercial ventures. Sarah famously struggled to maintain public respect after her split from Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, often being criticized for using her royal title to sustain her career.
Now, critics argue that Meghan could be treading a similar path. Her new lifestyle ventures, including plans for a brand inspired by California living, have drawn attention and skepticism from both the public and royal commentators. Many believe Harry is growing anxious about how such endeavors could affect their long-term reputation.
Royal commentator Judi James offered insight into how the Sussexes might be handling this delicate balance between privacy and publicity. “The balance between sharing glimpses of a celebrity’s private life and invading their own privacy must hopefully be one that Harry and Meghan have taken on with a seriously like-minded approach,” James said.
She added, however, that Meghan tends to appear “more comfortable and confident” in their shared public moments, especially in social media appearances. “Meghan is the keener and more natural performer during their recent ‘private’ clips,” James noted, suggesting that she thrives in the spotlight that often makes Harry uneasy.
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The tension between Harry’s discomfort with fame and Meghan’s Hollywood confidence has been evident in many of their recent public appearances. From sports events to charity galas, the contrast in their demeanor often fuels speculation about their dynamic behind the scenes.
According to insiders, Harry’s concern isn’t rooted in jealousy but in self-preservation. “He remembers what happened with Sarah Ferguson how quickly public goodwill can disappear when people feel a royal is exploiting their title,” one royal observer explained. “He doesn’t want Meghan to make the same mistakes, especially after all they sacrificed to build a new image in the United States.”
While Meghan’s supporters argue that she’s simply reclaiming her narrative and building a legitimate brand, critics claim her efforts risk alienating both the American audience and what remains of their royal fan base in Britain. The tension highlights how fragile the couple’s reputation has become since stepping back from royal duties.
The Sussexes’ growing media presence also raises questions about how they plan to sustain their global relevance. With Meghan’s rumored new projects on the horizon, including television ventures and brand partnerships, the couple faces renewed scrutiny over whether their public image aligns with their claims of seeking privacy.
Royal insiders believe Harry’s anxiety over Meghan’s trajectory could stem from his desire to maintain integrity while preserving their family’s legacy. “Harry has always been deeply protective,” one friend told a royal correspondent. “He’s not trying to control Meghan, he’s just worried the optics could spiral in a direction they can’t easily reverse.”
As the comparisons to Sarah Ferguson continue to grow louder, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are once again thrust into the center of debate about fame, privacy, and royal identity. For Harry, who has spent much of his life trying to avoid scandal, the idea of reliving the “Fergie effect” through his wife is his worst nightmare.
Whether Meghan’s ventures will ultimately restore or further damage their standing remains to be seen. But one thing is clear that Harry’s fears about history repeating itself are beginning to look all too real.
