Prince Harry's attempt to upstage his brother Prince William by appearing on a sports star's podcast appears to have backfired, with social media users accusing him of copying the Prince of Wales.
Harry's Podcast Move
The Duke of Sussex, currently in the UK with his wife Meghan Markle and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, made a surprise appearance on rugby star Joe Marler's podcast "Joe Marler Will See You Now" on July 13. The episode covered topics including trauma and grief, as well as lighter subjects.
However, the timing has raised eyebrows, coming just weeks after Prince William appeared on NFL star Travis Kelce's podcast. Showbiz editor Jess Phillips noted the striking similarities, including both hosts being sports legends with entertainment connections: Kelce is married to pop superstar Taylor Swift, while Marler has launched a reality TV career.
Public Backlash
Social media users were quick to criticize Harry's move. One X user wrote: "Copies EVERYTHING his brother does, how embarrassing! He really is the spare, cannot do anything off his own back." Another echoed: "Copying Prince William's interview with the Kelce brothers."
Phillips commented: "It's quite clear who comes off best. William's podcast appearance was jovial and timely, while Harry has already discussed serious subjects at length in his Netflix series and book Spare."
PR Stunt Concerns
Phillips expressed skepticism about Harry's motives, describing his actions as "a PR stunt." She pointed to Meghan and the children's refusal to make public appearances in Britain and Harry's promise to appear on James Corden's new talk show as evidence of a "wannabe Hollywood" approach.
"Perhaps it's a soft launch of their much-rumoured UK return after failing in Hollywood. Perhaps it's simply an attempt to keep his name in UK headlines. But I fear Harry has made yet another mistake here," Phillips wrote.
