'American Hustle': Vanity Fair's shift on Harry and Meghan

It’s a significant shift that Vanity Fair, a publication known for its in-depth reporting, recently published an article titled “American Hustle” about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. What makes this especially interesting is that Vanity Fair was one of the first major outlets to cover the couple’s relationship in 2017, featuring Meghan on the cover with the headline “Wild About Harry.” Now, the magazine is referring to them as “hustlers,” and that shift in tone is telling. It feels like the glossy, polished image of the couple is being peeled back to reveal a more critical perspective, one that shows them in a different light than we’ve been used to seeing.

At the heart of their story is their $14.65 million estate in Montecito, California. According to the Vanity Fair article, the home, tucked away in the hills, screams privacy and luxury, and it’s become the base for everything they’ve been building since stepping away from royal life in 2020. It’s here that they founded Archewell, their nonprofit and entertainment company, hoping to forge a new path outside the monarchy’s reach. But, while their new life was meant to be a fresh start, it hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing.

Despite ambitious projects like Netflix shows, Spotify podcasts, and multiple charity efforts, the couple’s journey has been anything but easy. They’ve faced personal, legal, and financial challenges along the way, all while trying to make a significant impact in both the media and charity worlds. Harry has continued his work with Invictus Games and Sentebale, while Meghan has pushed forward with her initiatives, including a home goods line and her Archetypes podcast aimed at empowering women.

But the reality of these projects hasn't always lived up to expectations. Meghan’s podcast, Archetypes, which was intended to spark deep, thought-provoking conversations about gender and identity, didn’t quite take off as planned. Reports suggest that Meghan’s creative vision for the show was frequently altered—she’d agree to big ideas, only to pull back later, leading to rewrites and a softer tone. As a result, the podcast didn’t quite resonate with listeners the way Meghan had hoped.

The couple’s public image has also taken a hit. Meghan’s past comments about her time in the royal family, like claiming she didn’t know how to curtsy for the Queen, have drawn skepticism. This particular moment raised questions, especially since Meghan is known for being meticulous about the details in other areas of her life. These kinds of missteps, combined with their ongoing criticism of the monarchy, have made the couple controversial figures in the public eye.

Their continued use of royal titles after stepping down also sparks debate. Critics argue that they’re still using their royal status for personal gain, especially with their philanthropic efforts. Meghan’s latest business venture, American Riviera Orchard, has also been met with some eye-rolling. While The Tig, her former lifestyle blog, had its heyday, it seems her newer projects are still struggling to find solid footing. However, insiders believe that no matter what happens, Meghan’s relentless work ethic will ensure these projects make an impact, even if they don’t last for years.

A rumor about Meghan writing a book post-divorce circulated at one point, but it never materialized. The idea, which was more speculative than planned, reflected Meghan’s knack for quickly moving on to new ideas. Unlike the royals, who often commit to long-term projects, Meghan seems eager to embrace the next opportunity—even if it means leaving things behind before they really take off.

Meghan’s transformation from actress to royal to philanthropist has earned her some respect, but it’s also opened her up to criticism. While some of her charitable actions, like influencing Procter & Gamble to change a commercial, are praised, others question whether Meghan and Harry are more focused on their public image as world-changers than on producing real results. It seems that, for some, no matter what they do, they’ll never fully win the public’s favor.

Throughout all the ups and downs, though, Meghan and Harry remain a united front. Their bond—strengthened by shared experiences and challenges—remains unshaken. Meghan, in particular, has become a guiding force in Harry’s life, helping him navigate the complexities of public life and his fractured family relationships. Their love for each other is clear, even if the weight of public expectations continues to overshadow their every move. It’s uncertain whether they’ll ever fully escape the scrutiny, but for now, they continue to push forward, both in love and in business, shaping their own legacy as they go.

So, with Vanity Fair’s recent shift in tone, it seems that the story of Harry and Meghan is taking a turn. What once seemed like an inspiring tale of new beginnings is now under a more critical lens. Whether they can turn things around and change the narrative remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the couple is far from giving up on their ambitions.

*To read the article in Vanity Fair, click on this link.