The British Royal Family stands as one of the most scrutinised and represented entities globally, with their narratives often adapted and reinterpreted through various media. From serious documentaries to satirical portrayals in shows like South Park, the royals frequently capture public attention. This ongoing fascination is evident in Acting Royal, a new series on the Daily Mail’s Royal YouTube channel, which delves into fictional recreations of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's lives. The series features insights from esteemed royal experts who assess the accuracy of these portrayals, particularly with regards to the so-called 'Megxit'.

In the inaugural episode, Rebecca English, Royal Editor for the Daily Mail, Richard Eden, Diary Editor, and Charlotte Griffiths, the Mail on Sunday's Editor at Large, critique a selection of films and series that depict the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. One significant work discussed is Harry & Meghan: Escaping the Palace (2021), which dramatizes the couple's decision to step back from royal duties following their much-publicised wedding. The film, however, received a dismal 10 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. According to English, the film captures the Royal Family's characteristic delay when dealing with challenging situations: "That was definitely the Palace's reaction to what Harry and Meghan were asking." This observation highlights a broader pattern within royal dealings, where addressing personal and public crises can often lead to prolonged waiting and indecision, further complicating relationships within the family.

The series also examines Spencer (2021), a critically acclaimed film starring Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana, which portrays her struggles within the royal institution. The nuanced portrayal of a young Prince Harry resting in his mother’s lap struck a chord with Eden, who describes it as an evocative representation of innocence; a stark contrast to the often formal and stiff interactions associated with royal life. This film and others like it not only attempt to illuminate the emotional landscapes of royal figures but also resonate with Harry's own reflections in his memoir, Spare, which offers insights into his childhood experiences and family dynamics.

Another contemporary portrayal comes from Red, White and Royal Blue (2023), a romantic comedy based on the novel of the same name that imagines an openly gay British prince. The royal experts reacted with both amusement and scepticism, with Eden noting the implications of a senior royal coming out in real life, something nearly unimaginable given contemporary British attitudes. The mention of Lord Ivar Mountbatten, an openly gay relative of the royal family, serves to highlight the extent to which the royals remain tethered to traditional gender roles and expectations.

The world of royal representation extends to the risqué animated series, The Prince, which satirises royal life through caricature. The royal experts noted how the show poked fun at Harry and Meghan’s spending habits, particularly through an episode in which they renovate a house, alluding to their substantial expenditure on Frogmore Cottage. English remarked that the show's depiction effectively encapsulates the public's perception of the couple's media ventures since stepping down from their royal duties.

Further examination reveals that films like Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance (2018) dramatise significant events in the couple’s life, but at times veer into absurdity. The portrayal of Meghan as struggling against the media frenzy drew criticism from the experts, with Richard Eden recalling that she appeared quite receptive to media attention at times. This paradox reflects the tension between public persona and private experience, a theme prevalent in the couple's own productions.

In recent years, Harry and Meghan have transitioned into content creation, signing a lucrative deal with Netflix to produce various shows aimed at promoting inspirational programming. Their projects, including upcoming lifestyle shows focusing on culinary and social themes, have sparked discussions about authenticity and the challenges of branding oneself outside the royal context. Critics have labelled some of these ventures as overly polished and lacking a personal touch, creating a perception that they are curated rather than genuinely expressive reflections of their lives.

Despite mixed reviews of their various representations, the underlying narrative remains clear: Harry and Meghan’s journey reflects broader societal conversations about identity, legacy, and the evolving nature of the monarchy in a modern context. The experts' commentary in Acting Royal serves not only to critique these portrayals but also to illuminate the complexities of defining royal narratives in an age where traditional boundaries are increasingly blurred.

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Source: Noah Wire Services