Prince Harry has been brandished for his ‘delusional’ thinking
Prince Harry’s bid for Archie and Lilibet to be working royals lands in the rubbish
Prince Harry’s Delusional Thinking Sparks Public Backlash: A Royal Rift Deepens
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has once again found himself at the center of a media firestorm, facing public criticism and ridicule for what some royal commentators have labeled “delusional” thinking. The latest controversy stems from reports that Harry hopes his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, might one day have the option to become working royals, a notion that has been met with sharp rebuke from experts and observers alike. Kinsey Schofield, host of the To Di for Daily podcast, has been particularly vocal, telling Fox News Digital, “It’s utterly absurd for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to believe their children might one day choose to become working royals. That kind of entitlement isn’t just wishful thinking—it borders on delusion.” This article explores the roots of this backlash, the implications of Harry’s aspirations for his children, and the broader context of his strained relationship with the British royal family.
The Spark of Controversy: Harry’s Hopes for Archie and Lilibet
The controversy erupted following a report by The Guardian suggesting that Prince Harry wishes to retain His and Her Royal Highness (HRH) titles for his children, Archie (6) and Lilibet (4), to preserve their option to serve as working royals when they reach adulthood. This idea has been met with skepticism, given that Harry and Meghan stepped back from their roles as senior royals in 2020, relocating to Montecito, California, to pursue financial independence. Their children, raised in the United States, have had minimal exposure to the traditions, duties, and cultural framework of the British monarchy, prompting critics to question the feasibility—and propriety—of Harry’s vision.
Kinsey Schofield, a prominent royal commentator, minced no words in her critique. “These are American children who’ve been raised oceans away from the monarchy, with no exposure to the customs, culture, or continuity that define royal life,” she told Fox News Digital. She argued that the expectation that Archie and Lilibet could seamlessly integrate into the royal fold is not only unrealistic but indicative of a deeper disconnect in Harry’s understanding of the institution he left behind. Schofield’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among royal observers that Harry’s actions—particularly his public criticisms of the monarchy—have irrevocably altered his family’s place within it.
The Role of Spare and Tyler Perry’s Private Jet
Schofield pointed to a pivotal moment in Harry’s journey away from the monarchy: “Harry closed that door himself the moment he boarded Tyler Perry’s private jet and handed over his life story to a ghostwriter for Spare.” The memoir, released in January 2023, detailed Harry’s grievances with the royal family, including allegations of mistreatment and institutional dysfunction. The book, coupled with the couple’s 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview and their 2022 Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, laid bare personal and professional tensions, further estranging Harry from his father, King Charles III, and his brother, Prince William. These public disclosures, Schofield argues, severed the trust necessary for any future role for Harry’s children within the monarchy.
The reference to Tyler Perry’s private jet underscores a significant chapter in the Sussexes’ post-royal life. In 2020, after stepping back from royal duties, Harry and Meghan accepted Perry’s offer of refuge at his $18 million Beverly Hills mansion, along with security and a private plane to facilitate their transition to the U.S. Perry, a close friend and godfather to Princess Lilibet, became a symbol of the couple’s new beginning. However, Schofield and others view this move as the point of no return, marking Harry’s deliberate choice to distance himself from the royal institution. The idea that his children could later “opt in” to royal duties is seen as a contradiction of this decision.
A “Lose-Lose Situation”: The Tyler Perry Scandal
The backlash against Harry’s aspirations for his children coincides with another controversy involving the Sussexes’ silence amid allegations against Tyler Perry. In June 2025, actor Derek Dixon filed a $260 million lawsuit against Perry, accusing him of sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation during the filming of The Oval and Ruthless. Despite Perry’s denial of the allegations through his attorney, who called the lawsuit a “shakedown,” Harry and Meghan have not publicly supported their friend, drawing further criticism. Schofield told Fox News Digital, “Tyler Perry put himself out there and was one of the few A-listers who fiercely defended the Sussexes. To quote Prince Harry from his January 2023 interview with Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes, ‘Silence is betrayal.’ I imagine Tyler Perry would appreciate any backup at this point.”
Royal expert Hilary Fordwich echoed this sentiment, noting that the couple’s silence demonstrates “a total lack of moral courage,” particularly given their history of residing in Perry’s home. She described their position as a “lose-lose situation,” arguing that their failure to support Perry, especially if he is exonerated, will be seen as a betrayal that further damages their credibility. This controversy has amplified perceptions of Harry and Meghan as self-serving, prioritizing their brand over loyalty to allies.
The Royal Family’s Response and William’s Stance
The notion of Archie and Lilibet as future working royals has been met with dismissal within royal circles. Reports indicate that Prince William, who will determine the monarchy’s structure as king, is unlikely to offer official roles to his niece and nephew. Schofield explained, “Any attempt to bring Harry and Meghan’s children into the royal fold would raise eyebrows across the palace—not just among senior royals, but among seasoned courtiers.” The rift between the brothers, exacerbated by Harry’s public criticisms, has led to a reported lack of relationship between William and the Sussexes, further diminishing the likelihood of their children’s involvement.
Buckingham Palace has also distanced itself from Harry’s ambitions. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told The Mirror, “I very much doubt that any of them take much notice about what [Meghan] is doing or saying. She is someone they knew for a very brief period of time.” This indifference underscores the royal family’s focus on continuity and duty, contrasting with Harry’s perceived detachment from these values.
Broader Implications: A Question of Entitlement
The public bashing of Harry reflects a broader narrative of entitlement and disconnection. Schofield’s assertion that his thinking “borders on delusion” resonates with those who view the Sussexes’ actions as inconsistent with their stated desire for independence. Their continued use of royal titles, as evidenced by Meghan’s reference to herself as “HRH The Duchess of Sussex” in private correspondence, has sparked accusations of exploiting royal status for personal gain. Critics argue that Harry’s hope for his children’s royal roles contradicts his rejection of the institution’s constraints.
The Sussexes’ challenges in the U.S. have also fueled ridicule. Meghan has been labeled “the most tone-deaf, least self-aware figure in the public eye” by U.S. journalist Lee Cohen, citing her perceived swipes at the royal family during podcast appearances. Hollywood’s mockery, including South Park’s satirical portrayal of the couple, further highlights their shifting public image.
Conclusion: A Path Forward?
Prince Harry’s vision for his children’s future has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with commentators like Kinsey Schofield framing it as a delusional overreach. The combination of his public disclosures in Spare, his silence on the Tyler Perry scandal, and his apparent desire to keep royal options open for Archie and Lilibet has painted a picture of inconsistency and entitlement. As the royal family moves forward under King Charles III and prepares for Prince William’s reign, the Sussexes’ place within the monarchy appears increasingly untenable. Whether Harry can reconcile his aspirations with the reality of his choices remains uncertain, but for now, the public backlash serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of his departure from royal life.
