Since stepping back from their roles as senior members of the British Royal Family in 2020, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have undertaken a series of public media projects that have drawn both support and criticism. These include a six-part Netflix docuseries, titled Harry & Meghan, and Prince Harry’s memoir Spare..

Queen Elizabeth II’s Legacy and the Timing of Media Releases

Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle, at the age of 96. Her passing marked the end of a 70-year reign—the longest in British history—and began a period of national mourning, as well as global reflection on her legacy. Coverage by BBC News and Royal.uk emphasized the Queen’s commitment to public service, her leadership during key historical moments, and her deep personal dedication to the Commonwealth.

Just two months later, in December 2022, Harry & Meghan premiered on Netflix. The documentary provided personal insights into the couple’s life, including their courtship, wedding, and eventual decision to step away from royal duties. While the project had reportedly been in development prior to the Queen’s death, its release close to the period of mourning drew commentary from both media and royal observers.

Content and Reception of Harry & Meghan

The Netflix docuseries offered a detailed look at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s experiences with the British press and their perceptions of institutional challenges within the Royal Family. In particular, the series focused on the couple’s struggles with media intrusion, personal safety concerns, and Meghan’s treatment by both the press and public.

While supporters praised the series for its candid approach to mental health, race, and the impact of media scrutiny, critics raised concerns about its portrayal of other members of the Royal Family. In interviews covered by The Guardian and Sky News, some royal commentators argued that the series aired private family matters and could contribute to further strain in royal relationships.

One segment of the show that drew media attention involved Meghan recounting her first meeting with Queen Elizabeth II. Meghan humorously reenacted the deep curtsy she gave upon introduction—an action some viewers misinterpreted as mocking. However, others saw the moment as an attempt to reflect the formality and surprise she felt at the time. Neither Kensington Palace nor Buckingham Palace issued official responses to the portrayal.

The Role of the Commonwealth

Some commentators also noted that parts of the series discussed Britain’s colonial history and the role of the Royal Family in the Commonwealth—a network of over 50 member states, many of which were formerly under British rule. The couple’s comments on this topic led to renewed conversations about the relevance of the Commonwealth in modern times.

As noted in BBC News and Reuters coverage, Queen Elizabeth II had long championed the Commonwealth as a voluntary association promoting democracy, development, and cooperation. During her reign, she positioned the Commonwealth as a priority of diplomatic engagement, and many of her public tours and speeches focused on building relationships with member nations.

Harry and Meghan, who previously held official Commonwealth youth ambassador roles, discussed the challenges of balancing tradition with social progress in today’s global context. While some critics viewed this as inconsistent with their former positions, the couple’s defenders argued they were encouraging important dialogue.

Prince Harry’s Memoir Spare

In January 2023, four months after Queen Elizabeth’s death, Prince Harry released his highly anticipated memoir, Spare, published by Penguin Random House. The book quickly became a bestseller and was the subject of extensive media coverage.

In Spare, Prince Harry offers an introspective view of his life in the Royal Family, from childhood to adulthood. He reflects on personal trauma, military service in Afghanistan, the death of his mother, Princess Diana, and his mental health journey. The memoir also addresses family tensions, including his evolving relationship with his brother, Prince William, now the Prince of Wales.

While Spare includes difficult stories and moments of conflict, the book is also a call for healing and greater understanding, according to Harry’s interviews with Anderson Cooper (CBS) and Tom Bradby (ITV). Prince Harry has stated that his intention is not to hurt his family but to provide an honest account of his lived experience.

As noted in The New York Times and The Telegraph, the memoir sparked a mix of reactions. Some applauded the openness and vulnerability, while others questioned whether certain private matters should have been made public. Importantly, no specific claims in the memoir have been publicly disputed by Buckingham Palace, consistent with the Royal Family’s long-standing policy of avoiding public commentary on personal matters.

Public Reaction and Media Impact

Both Harry & Meghan and Spare have had substantial impact in terms of public discourse and media visibility. Streaming metrics reported by Netflix and sales data from Penguin Random House confirm that both projects reached large audiences across the United States, United Kingdom, and beyond. Younger demographics, particularly in the U.S., tend to view the couple more favorably, while older Britons often express support for the traditional monarchy.

Moving Forward

Despite media controversies, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to engage in philanthropy and public service. Their Archewell Foundation, established in 2020, focuses on initiatives such as mental health advocacy, digital responsibility, and community building. As detailed on the foundation’s official website, recent projects include partnerships with youth organizations and disaster relief efforts.

The couple has also expressed interest in producing content focused on education, family, and resilience through their deal with Netflix and Spotify, though some projects have undergone restructuring or cancellation as their media strategy evolves.

Conclusion

While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s post-royal media ventures have prompted reactions, they also reflect a broader trend toward transparency, mental health awareness, and personal storytelling. Their decision to share their perspectives has opened up difficult but necessary conversations about institutional accountability, personal identity, and the modern role of monarchy.

At the same time, it’s essential that all public commentary be framed with respect for facts, historical context, and verified information. As Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy continues to influence royal affairs, respectful debate and informed discussion are key to understanding the evolving relationship between the monarchy and its members.

Sources:

• BBC News – Royal Family
• Royal.uk – Official Royal Family Website
• The Guardian – UK News
• The New York Times – Prince Harry Memoir Coverage
• Reuters – British Royal Family
• Archewell Foundation
• Netflix – Harry & Meghan Docuseries