A recent German documentary titled "Prince Harry – The Lost Prince" has sparked controversy by portraying the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as isolated figures struggling to find their place in Montecito, California. The film, aired by ZDF, features interviews with local residents who paint a picture of a couple detached from their community.
Royal commentators Kinsey Schofield and Hilary Fordwich, who viewed the documentary, shared their insights with Fox News Digital. Schofield described the film as a catalog of the couple's struggles since their royal exit, highlighting a perceived sense of loneliness and isolation surrounding Meghan Markle. Fordwich noted claims from Montecito residents that invitations to community events have gone unanswered by the Sussexes. One neighbor even suggested that Prince Harry's closest companions are his dogs and bodyguard.
Another Montecito resident, Richard Mineards, expressed his belief that Meghan Markle hasn't become an asset to the community due to her lack of involvement in local activities. However, royal expert Ian Pelham Turner countered this narrative, suggesting that the documentary unfairly portrays the Sussexes and that the community should strive to make them feel more welcome.
The film's director, Ulrike Grunewald, stated that working on the project helped her understand the late Queen's concerns about the couple's decision to step back from royal duties. She pointed out that the most damaging allegations against the royal family seem to originate from Harry and Meghan themselves. Grunewald also observed that the couple is still working to establish a legacy in California, despite the perceived lack of significant achievements by their Archewell Foundation.
The documentary also revisits Prince Harry's controversial claim in his memoir, "Spare," about killing 25 Taliban fighters in Afghanistan. This revelation drew criticism from a former head of royal protection and raised concerns about the potential security risks for Harry and his family. While Schofield acknowledged the need for Harry's safety, she questioned his judgment in sharing such sensitive information.
Pelham Turner, however, questioned the relevance of discussing Harry's military service in the context of the documentary. He argued that raising the issue again could reopen old wounds. Fordwich concluded that while the documentary doesn't present new information, it reinforces existing negative perceptions of the Sussexes. Schofield added that Harry and Meghan might benefit from relinquishing some control and seeking trusted advisors to guide their decisions.
