Prince Harry faced one of his most embarrassing moments since returning to the UK when he was booed by the crowd at a rugby match on Friday evening. The Duke of Sussex attended the game between Leicester Tigers and Gloucester at Welford Road, where he appeared to enjoy a beer while watching the action. However, when he appeared on the big screen, videos show other attendees jeering at him.
Critics weigh in on the booing
The incident has been seen as a blow to Harry, whose public image has been a constant topic of conversation in recent years, especially since he and Meghan returned to the UK at the end of the summer. While the Prince did not seem too bothered by the jeers, his vocal critics have shared their thoughts on what it means for his future in Britain.
Mark Dolan, appearing on Talk TV, discussed the incident with host Paul Murray. Dolan said: "This is so bad because we know that the Sussexes are a little controversial. Meghan, certainly, there’s no love lost between her and the British people. But for Harry to go to a sporting event like this… to get booed when he appears on the big screen is a big problem."
Brand concerns and public reaction
Dolan noted that Harry needs to earn money after returning to the UK, and to do so, he must be "admired by the public and by those corporations that sponsor Invictus." He added: "So, his brand looks quite tainted at the moment. It must have been quite humiliating. I mean, the main issue is not really public anger. He’s not been booed that much. The main thing is that the British people have reacted exactly the way Australian people reacted to Harry and Meghan’s fake royal tour a few months ago, which is a shrug of the shoulder."
Dolan concluded: "In fact, he should be quite happy he was booed. At least people are paying attention. Most of the time, they’re just ignoring this couple."
Further criticism from commentators
The booing is not the only criticism Harry has faced since Friday. Political commentator Candice Holdsworth described the incident as signifying Harry's significant "downfall." She said: "There is a big difference between the manicured world of Instagram and then the real world. I find it really tragic, Harry's downfall from grace. He was one of the most popular royals. He was beloved, and he kind of destroyed a lot of it and alienated people."
