Meghan Markle & Husband’s New Move Portrays Them ‘Deeply Bothered’ — Expert

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are facing fresh scrutiny, not just over the claims in a forthcoming royal book, but over how they chose to respond to them. After excerpts from Tom Bower’s latest book began circulating, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex issued a sharp statement dismissing the allegations. But a communications expert now suggests the tone and length of that response may have worked against them.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry criticized by expert for statement against Tom Bower’s book

Following the release of excerpts in The Times Magazine, a spokesperson for Harry and Meghan issued a statement rejecting the claims.“Mr. Bower’s commentary has long crossed the line from criticism into fixation. This is someone who has publicly stated, ‘the monarchy in fact depends on actually obliterating the Sussexes from our state of life,’ language that speaks for itself.”

However, Renae Smith, a public relations expert and founder of Atticism, believes the approach may have inadvertently shifted the narrative. Speaking to the Daily Express, Smith argued that the level of detail in the Sussexes’ statement made it appear as though the couple were more affected by the claims than intended. “I think the detail of the statement is part of the problem,” she said, adding, “If something is genuinely ridiculous and completely fabricated, the strongest response is often either no response at all or a very short and dismissive one.”

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Meghan Markle Named Most Hated of 2025

Meghan Markle and the scandalous tycoon Diddy top the list of the most hated celebrities of 2025.

Starting in 2009, every December, Ranker—an American online ranking platform where users vote in real-time—announces the list of the Most Hated Celebrities of the Year. Topping the list is Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, who is also the wife of Prince Harry.

Beginning when she and her husband stepped back from the British Royal Family in 2020, Meghan has consistently been named in the top 10 most hated celebrities. More notably, the Suits star’s ranking has increased over time, moving from fourth, to third, then up to second, and finally taking the top spot. American media evaluates that few figures are as “consistently” hated as Meghan, always maintaining a high ranking.

Ranker’s data shows that the level of public exposure plays a pivotal role in the ranking results. Dense media presence, ongoing projects, and constant attention keep Markle’s name perpetually in front of the public. That attention appears to intensify strong reactions, both positive and negative. Currently, negative votes are overwhelming.

This result was somewhat foreshadowed long ago. Throughout 2024, the number one position frequently shifted between Meghan Markle and Sean Combs (Diddy). Although the scandalous rapper ultimately pulled ahead, Meghan held the lead for the majority of the year. By 2025, the Duchess finally pushed Diddy down to second place.

The reasons Diddy is hated are beyond dispute. The music producer, born in 1969, was sentenced to 4 years and 2 months in prison on two counts of transporting persons for prostitution. This result sparked intense controversy. Many believe the sentence was too light, expressing outrage because Diddy was acquitted of human trafficking and racketeering charges.

The release of the documentary Sean Combs: The Reckoning in early December further increased the level of public indignation.

Another blow to the Sussex family is that Prince Harry was also named on the list, ranking fifth. The fact that Meghan and Harry stand near each other on the rankings reinforces the public view that they are always a single unit, even when the rankings are voted on individually.

Several other famous figures also appeared in the top 10, including Jada Pinkett Smith, Ellen DeGeneres, Oprah Winfrey, and Amber Heard.

Ranker does not evaluate talent, success, or influence. The rankings measure reaction.

Meghan Markle’s number one position indicates a prolonged frustration, not the consequence of a single controversy. It also shows that public sentiment can harden over time when a figure’s level of exposure remains high and opinions remain polarized.

Harry and Meghan Rumored to Face “Rift” Under Life Pressures

Harry is reportedly falling into a state of being “isolated and lost” while Meghan pursues her own direction, causing the marriage to lose the spark it once had.

A series of recent articles in the U.S. and the U.K. are painting a less-than-bright picture of the Sussexes’ lives, describing them as not entirely matching their positive social media image. Some sources suggest that Harry is becoming increasingly isolated and struggling to build a new life in the U.S., while Meghan actively pursues personal projects.

According to sources, Harry’s work recently has been quite limited, primarily spending time caring for their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Although he is said to be nurturing his own business plans, he is still perceived as not having found a clear direction and remains influenced by his past.

Meanwhile, Meghan is actively expanding her personal activities. After the Netflix platform ended its partnership and stopped the program With Love, Meghan after two seasons, she has focused on developing her lifestyle brand As Ever—launched in 2025 with household products such as jams and teas.

Some sources also suggest that Meghan may consider writing a memoir, though she is noted for avoiding topics prone to controversy. The difference in career directions has led to perceptions that the couple is “walking on two separate paths.”

The book Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family by Tom Bower has further fueled controversy by offering allegations of “tension” and a “rift” in their marriage, as well as financial pressures with living expenses reportedly reaching millions of dollars per year.