Prince Harry was reportedly left 'absolutely devastated' after facing jeers at a rugby match. The Duke watched on as Leicester Tigers took on Gloucester on October 9, with Harry appearing on the verge of 'tears' while gripping a pint.
As the prince observed the match, cameras focused on him among the spectators and some boos were heard, although some have suggested they were aimed at the referee rather than Harry. The hostile reception didn't escape attention, with commentator Nick Mullins swiftly acknowledging "some boos there" before hastily continuing.
Royal commentator highlights public challenge
In The Royalist substack, royal commentator Tom Sykes suggested this highlighted the singular challenge facing Harry and Meghan - the UK public themselves. He wrote: "There is just one problem. The public, the people they seem to wish to be a figure to, have spent the past fortnight telling the Sussexes exactly what they think of them."
Sykes suggested that Harry would have found the response "painful". "Boos are the stuff of royal nightmares," he explained. "When the tabloids attack him, Harry can take them to court. When the Palace sends a chilly letter, he can blame the men in grey suits."
"The entire Sussex story depends on the idea that the press and the courtiers are the problem, and that the British people, deep down, are still on his side. The boos at Welford Road were the verdict of the people. This isn't a media conspiracy. This isn't the press."
Source claims Harry was 'crushed'
Entertainment journalist Rob Shuter revealed that the humiliation Harry endured "brought him to tears". A source told the outlet: "Harry didn't hear the boos. He was enjoying the match and genuinely believed everyone was happy to see him."
"It wasn't until afterward that the reality hit. He was absolutely crushed."
The harsh reception comes before the Sussexes' first joint appearance since their return to England.
Upcoming Nottingham engagement
On October 15, Harry and Meghan will emerge for a royal-style engagement in Nottingham. The pair will visit the Community Recording Studio to observe an acting workshop before joining members of the Hubb Community Kitchen at the Himmah food bank.
A friend told the Sunday Times: "Nottingham is a really special place for them and they are looking forward to getting back out there into the community, together."
Nottingham is the city where the duo first appeared publicly as an engaged couple in December 2017.
Meghan has maintained a remarkably light schedule following the bombshell departure, while Harry has made several appearances at events. Sources told Woman's Day: "Meghan was advised a while ago to be less accessible because it creates more interest so that's the strategy she's leaning into."
They added that Meghan had been "deliberately biding her time and staying out of sight intentionally". "When she does start stepping out more, the hope is that she'll have built up enough anticipation that people will be excited to see her, rather than having her everywhere right away and the public getting sick of her," the source added.
Yet following the public's response to Harry at the recent rugby match, it remains uncertain whether the pair will receive a warm welcome in Nottingham.
