4 times Meghan Markle and Prince Harry shot themselves in the foot in 2021: from their ‘patronising’ and ‘meaningless’ Archewell statement, to throwing shade at Queen Elizabeth

Aug 21 , 2021

Oops I did it again. Harry and Meghan aren’t having the best year when it comes to their public image. Photo: Spotify

Since leaving the royal family, the couple has taken to social media more than ever to push their point of view – so why is it backfiring so spectacularly?

From that ‘condescending’ statement on Afghanistan and Haiti, to the Lilibet baby name drama and, of course, the Oprah interview that refuses to die

If 2020 was a blockbuster disaster movie, 2021 feels like the painfully predictable sequel that’s dragging on forever. Just us?

We’re sure Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would agree, if their 2021 is anything to go by. Following disastrous interviews, controversial statements and lashing out in the press, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex can’t seem to catch a break this year.

Since being based in California, the couple have been highly visible on social media and television, and not by accident. Photo: Apple TV

Here are four times the pair landed themselves in hot water already (it’s only August, so we’re expecting a few more bloopers before the year is over).

The bizarre world affairs statement

Harry and Meghan raised eyebrows this week when they released a new statement focused on current world events. Through their charitable foundation Archewell’s website, the couple commented on Afghanistan, the Haiti earthquake, and the ongoing pandemic.

While that all sounds good and well on paper, many royal followers found the message to be “inappropriate” and “condescending”.

The statement read: “The world is exceptionally fragile right now. As we all feel the many layers of pain due to the situation in Afghanistan, we are left speechless.”

The pair posted a collage of photos alongside their statement. Photo: @archewell_hm/Instagram