The Duke of Sussex has taken aim at the Royal Family while delivering a speech, as he called out the “drama and intrigue” of the Firm as he spoke to business leaders in Los Angeles
Prince Harry likened the Royal Family to Downton Abbey in a speech(Image: Variety via Getty Images)
Prince Harry has taken a brutal swipe at the Royal Family while delivering a huge speech in which he talked about British culture and the Firm.
Addressing business leaders in Los Angeles on Friday, the Duke of Sussex was speaking at the annual British American Business Council of Los Angeles’ 65th Christmas luncheon, candidly discussing the World Cup, British culture, and American independence.
Harry’s address soon turned towards his own family, with whom he has been estranged for several years after he and Meghan Markle quit their royal roles and relocated to America, as he drew parallels to growing up within the Royal Family, and the TV drama Downton Abbey.
READ MORE: Princess Kate’s ‘authentic joy’ is redefining the Royal Family’s ‘stilted’ festive seasonREAD MORE: Prince William ‘gently stepping back’ to let Prince George ‘take the lead’
Prince Harry took a jab at the Royal Family during a speech(Image: AP)
Harry said: “People sometimes ask if growing up with the royal family was a bit like Julian’s Downton Abbey – yeah. But only one of those worlds is filled with drama, intrigue, elaborate dinners, marriages to Americans and the other is a TV show.”
While discussing American independence, Harry added: “It’s a new world to me, celebrating independence from Britain and more specifically, independence from my great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather. But look, I don’t take it personally and nor should you, but it does feel oddly reminiscent.
“After all, we were able to leave our mark in other ways, mostly just through originally naming places after towns and cities back home, Boston, Massachusetts, and Lincolnshire, Manchester, New Hampshire and England, Birmingham, Alabama and England, Richmond, Virginia and England. I’ve never quite understood why they did that. It surely can’t be because it reminded them of their hometowns.”
Despite speaking about the Royal Family in his address, Harry made no mention of his wife Meghan Markle, or his father-in-law Thomas Markle, who is fighting for his life in hospital.
Harry made no mention of his wife Meghan or her seriously-ill father Thomas(Image: Netflix)
Thomas Markle Snr , 81, had his left leg amputated in a life-saving surgery, where he now lives in the Philippines, but the Duchesses father still remains in the care of doctors. The former Hollywood lighting engineer saw his leg turn black due to a blood clot, and was rushed to a hospital after he fell ill at his home on the island of Cebu.
Meghan has not seen her dad after their relationship fell apart in 2018, before her wedding to Prince Harry. It is said Thomas Snr has also not met his grandchildren Archie, 6, and Lilibet, 4. Despite this, a spokesperson for Meghan last night said: “I can confirm she has reached out to her father.”
Harry’s speech comes just days after he was criticised online for his recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, in which he featured in a comedy sketch portraying himself as he tried out to become a Hallmark film ” Christmas prince”.
The talk show host questioned why an actual prince would wish to star in such productions, leading Harry to respond: “You Americans are obsessed with Christmas movies, and you’re clearly obsessed with royalty, so why not?”
Harry’s comments come after his controversial appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Harry has since received a wave of backlash for his brief appearance, with many wondering why the Duke opted to appear on the late night talk show in the first place. According to former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond, the appearance missed the mark entirely.
She told the Mirror : “I like Harry, and I rather admire the way he’s willing to laugh at himself, but this just seemed so unnecessary. It was also rather too painfully close to the truth: a Prince looking for a role and willing to do anything to secure one.”
Get the inside scoop on the monarchy with Mirror Royal
WHATSAPP GROUP: Be first to get the biggest royal bombshells and exclusives to your phone by joining our Royal WhatsApp here.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
NEWSLETTER: Or sign up to the Mirror’s Royal newsletter here to get all the biggest royal news and exclusive pictures, straight to your inbox.