In the latest in a dramatic new turn of events for the Sussexes, Markle is said to be feeling "humiliated" over her husband Prince Harry being awarded a climate award—which critics claim has been "bought and not earned." His 'work' for the environment has also attracted controversy, with this accolade stirring on moves in royal circles that questions both how and why Harry received it.
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Critics also questioned the legitimacy of the prize, which is given by a relatively obscure group. And while Meghan is said to be "mortified" over the situation, sources close to the duchess — aka her PR team — have told DailyMail that she still did not get paid for any of it. as she believes the whole affair has backfired on the couple’s carefully crafted public image. "Meghan was already on edge about Harry's growing focus on public awards and recognition, but this one has pushed her over the edge," a royal insider shared. "The last thing she wanted was to be associated with a questionable award, especially one that seems to have been purchased."
The accusations surrounding the award are based on claims that the organization behind it has been linked to various high-profile donors, including some with ties to celebrity-backed foundations. Critics argue that the award may have been a marketing ploy to boost the Sussexes' environmental credibility, rather than being a true acknowledgment of meaningful work. "It's not a real recognition," one expert commented. "This feels like a paid-for PR stunt, which doesn’t reflect well on the Sussexes, especially considering their ongoing push for social causes."
While Harry has passionately advocated for climate change awareness and sustainability in the past, the optics of this new award—coming just months after their controversial multimillion-dollar Netflix deal—has many questioning his authenticity. Meghan, always meticulous about their public image, has been left reeling by the growing backlash. "She was hoping for a real breakthrough in their environmental campaign, but instead, it’s all falling apart in the public eye," the source added.
The couple’s once-untouchable image as progressive advocates of social change has been under intense scrutiny in recent months, with critics accusing them of hypocrisy after their lavish lifestyle seemed at odds with their calls for environmental responsibility. Now, this latest debacle is only adding to the growing list of controversies surrounding the Sussexes’ attempts to reshape their narrative.
While the royal family has not commented directly on the issue, insiders are keenly aware of the tension it’s causing, with some wondering if this will further damage Harry and Meghan’s reputation. As Meghan wrestles with the fallout, it remains to be seen whether the couple can recover from this embarrassing turn of events—or if this latest scandal will become just another blip in their tumultuous journey outside the royal fold.