Prince Harry has come under fire from Americans for “asking for special privilege because he went to war”, according to royal reporter Kinsey Schofield.
According to a report by GB News, she argues that while Harry’s military service is appreciated, he does not deserve special treatment compared to the many homeless veterans sleeping on Los Angeles streets.
“If his argument is, ‘I went to war’, then shouldn’t we protect everyone that has gone to war that way?”, Schofield asked on GB News. “There’s a lot of people we should be protecting.” She contends that Harry is essentially asking for privileges due to his war experience that are not afforded to countless struggling veterans.
This backlash comes as Harry and his wife Meghan Markle face growing criticism for their public attacks on the British monarchy after stepping back from royal duties in 2020. Their recent Netflix documentary series and Harry’s upcoming memoir have been seen by many as a deliberate attempt to damage the royals.
According to commentator Mark Dolan, “It is war. The world’s least happy millionaire, Prince Harry, has released a trailer for his highly anticipated documentary.” He argues that the Sussexes seem “hellbent on not just denigrating the monarchy, but destroying it.”
While Dolan speculates that Meghan may be the driving force, he ultimately places responsibility on Harry for allowing such vicious attacks on the institution that has given him “untold privilege.” Harry’s actions have occurred while the royal family mourned Prince Philip’s death, likely causing the Queen “deep distress” which possibly impacted her failing health.
At the core of the backlash is the perception that Harry expects special treatment due to his status rather than personal merit. This contradicts foundational American values of equal opportunity and earning one’s place in society.
While Americans appreciate Harry’s military service, they believe special privileges should be earned through hardship and determination, not the circumstances of one’s birth. Homeless veterans who’ve fallen on hard times embody these values in the eyes of many.
According to journalist Simon Jenkins, Harry fails to recognize that Americans rejected royalty and aristocratic privilege during the revolution. For them, “privilege is earned by effort, not blood or title.”
This sentiment was evidenced when Harry and Meghan were booed at a New York awards ceremony. Comedian Kathy Griffin contends it was a rare moment when “the whole crowd collectively went, ‘Boo, get out of here.'”
There is also a sense that Harry’s pleas fall on deaf ears coming from a position of extreme wealth and privilege. His $14 million California mansion and lucrative media deals undermine his case in the eyes of struggling veterans.
Commentator Angela Levin argues that after “trashing his family and making millions…he still wants to be treated as though he’s royal.” She contends that if Harry “despises royal life so much, he can’t then expect its perks.”
These sentiments were echoed by decorated veteran and political candidate Joe Kent. He contends that “Prince Harry has never had to sacrifice a day in his life” and benefitted from every opportunity thanks to the British public.
“Now he has abandoned his country, abandoned his duty, and fleeced the public to fund his lavish lifestyle in a Beverly Hills mansion,” Kent added.
While Harry’s military service deserves respect, his public persona as an outspoken critic of the monarchy that afforded him great privilege seems hypocritical to many Americans. Homeless veterans who’ve truly fallen on hard times are seen as more deserving of public support.
