The Duke of Sussex has delivered a pointed critique of the Royal Family, drawing a direct comparison between his upbringing and the fictional world of a popular period drama during a high-profile speech in the United States.
Downton Abbey Parallels Drawn in Los Angeles
Addressing an audience of business leaders at the British American Business Council of Los Angeles' 65th Christmas luncheon on Friday, Prince Harry spoke candidly about British culture, the World Cup, and American independence. The Duke's remarks soon turned personal, referencing the institution he left behind in 2020.
"People sometimes ask if growing up with the royal family was a bit like Julian's Downton Abbey - yeah," Harry stated. He then added the pointed quip: "But only one of those worlds is filled with drama, intrigue, elaborate dinners, marriages to Americans and the other is a TV show."
Comments on American Independence and Family Estrangement
While discussing the American celebration of independence from Britain, Harry made a wry reference to his own ancestry. "It's a new world to me, celebrating independence from Britain and more specifically, independence from my great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather," he said. The Duke added that he did not take it personally, but noted it felt "oddly reminiscent."
He also questioned the American tradition of naming cities after British places, listing examples like Boston, Manchester, and Birmingham. "I've never quite understood why they did that. It surely can't be because it reminded them of their hometowns," he mused.
Notably, the Duke's speech contained no mention of his wife, Meghan Markle, or her father, Thomas Markle. The 81-year-old former lighting engineer is currently in hospital in the Philippines after undergoing life-saving surgery to amputate his left leg following a blood clot. A spokesperson for Meghan confirmed last night that she has reached out to her father, with whom she has been estranged since 2018.
Fresh Backlash Following Recent TV Appearance
This latest public address comes just days after Harry faced criticism for a comedy sketch on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where he portrayed himself auditioning to be a 'Christmas prince' in a Hallmark film. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond suggested the appearance seemed "unnecessary" and "painfully close to the truth: a Prince looking for a role and willing to do anything to secure one."
The Duke's Los Angeles comments underscore the ongoing rift between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family, framing life within 'The Firm' as a source of perpetual theatricality comparable to a beloved television series.
