Introduction

In a recent exposé, Vanity Fair unleashed a scathing critique of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's five-year journey in the United States, leading many to wonder why this once-supportive publication turned against the couple. The roots of this rift may be traced back to Meghan's 2017 cover story when she publicly disclosed her relationship with Harry.

Vanity Fair's Critique

Last week's article, titled "American Hustle," penned by contributing editor Anna Peele, featured insights from numerous insiders who described Meghan and Harry as among the "most entitled, disingenuous people on the planet." This abrupt shift in tone hints at deeper issues that emerged during their initial engagement with the magazine.

Initial Tensions

Sources suggest that tensions began to escalate when Meghan and Harry accused Vanity Fair of crafting a "racist headline" for that pivotal October 2017 issue. While Meghan’s remarkable ascent to the cover stemmed from her relationship with Harry rather than her role on *Suits*, she was reportedly dissatisfied that the article focused chiefly on their romance rather than her individual achievements.

Meghan's Perspective

According to Valentine Low's book, *Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown*, Meghan felt the article, despite its flattering nature, overshadowed her identity and projected a narrative that didn't align with her vision. Allegedly, both Meghan and Harry pushed for changes to the headline in the digital edition of the magazine, claiming it was racially insensitive based on historical contexts tied to the referenced song, "I'm Just Wild About Harry."

Consequences of the Fallout

The complications from this incident may have sown the seeds for the recent Vanity Fair article, which suggested that some individuals who worked closely with Meghan sought therapy due to their experiences, emphasizing a challenging work environment. The piece painted a controversial picture of the Duchess, asserting that she could be "really, really awful" if things didn't align with her expectations.

Reactions to Allegations

Though the couple has denounced these allegations as "distressing," their history with Vanity Fair reveals an intricate web of professional relationships. Meghan's public relations journey began in the summer of 2017 when she appointed Keleigh Thomas Morgan from New-York-based Sunshine Sachs as her adviser, a firm that had assisted her during her acting career. However, Meghan later severed ties with the agency in 2022 following ongoing disputes.

The Pivotal Vanity Fair Feature

The initial Vanity Fair feature was indeed a pivotal moment in Meghan’s public narrative. The glamorously shot cover, showcasing Meghan's stunning features with the headline "She's Just Wild About Harry," coincided with her declaration of love. Yet, behind the scenes, dissatisfaction brewed as Meghan allegedly felt her image had been mishandled. Reports indicate she was not pleased with the portrayal and perceived a racial subtext in the magazine’s headline choices.

Characterization of Meghan

Insight into Meghan's behavior leads to troubling perceptions; former employees described her as akin to a "Mean Girls teenager," illustrating a transformation in her demeanor that turned cold towards those she felt were responsible for setbacks. This characterization raises questions about the atmosphere surrounding her work environment, echoing past claims of bullying during her time at Kensington Palace.

Nuanced Perspectives

Yet, it is essential to view this narrative with nuance, as several allies and former staff members have defended Meghan and Harry. They recounted positive experiences, emphasizing their generosity and caring nature. It is a dichotomy that complicates the image portrayed in the media.

Public Scrutiny

Recent public scrutiny of Harry and Meghan intensified as their attempts to forge a philanthropic identity clash with the resurfacing allegations. Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal commentator, remarked on the potentially damaging repercussions of this fallout on their future interests and public perception, especially with the couple’s well-publicized efforts to assist wildfire victims in California.

The Future for Meghan and Harry

The impending launch of Meghan’s cooking series, *With Love, Meghan*, further complicates the narrative as public reception remains tepid. The couple seems to be grappling to maintain a favorable image amidst allegations and a skeptical audience.

Conclusion

As Vanity Fair's article unfolds the complexity of Meghan and Harry’s professional relationships, it poses an essential question: Can the Sussexes reshape their public persona amidst rising allegations, or is their image forever tainted by the past? The unfolding saga continues to captivate and spark debate, particularly as their relationship with the media undergoes a profound transformation.