The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have dismissed claims made in a recent Vanity Fair article about their post-royal life in California, which sources close to the couple described to the Times as “distressing.”
The cover story, “American Hustle,” published on Friday, examined the Sussexes’ lives and business ventures in the five years since their departure from the Royal Family.
The article made several contentious claims about their marriage, community relations in Montecito, and business challenges.
According to the Vanity Fair piece, neighbours in Montecito claimed the duke and duchess had disrupted the area’s tranquillity by “bringing more attention” to the wealthy enclave.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry ‘distressed’ as Sussex insiders dismiss bombshell claims
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This criticism came despite Montecito already being home to numerous celebrities.
The magazine’s coverage extended beyond community relations, speculating about the couple’s marriage and potential future plans.
While the article mentioned rumours about a possible “post-divorce” book, it also stated that divorce was not imminent, with sources affirming that “their love is real” and “they are hot for each other.”
Prince Harry previously rubbished claims of him and Meghan divorcing, telling the 2024 New York Times DealBook Summit: “We’ve been divorced maybe 10, or 12 times as well.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been slammed in a Vanity Fair piece
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“So it’s just like, what? It’s hard to keep up with, but that’s why you just sort of ignore it.
“The people I feel most sorry about are the trolls.”
In contrast to the claims made in the Vanity Fair article, actress Sharon Stone, another Montecito resident, offered a markedly different perspective of the Sussexes’ community presence.
Speaking to Hello!, Stone said: “They’re a part of our community, they’ve become a giving, caring, participating part of our community.”
Meghan Markle’s podcast staff required ‘long term therapy’ or took extended breaks due to the strain of working with her, according to claims published in Vanity Fair
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She added: “They’re not here to be like ‘Would you like to kiss my butt?'”
Stone also noted that the couple regularly wave to people in the street.
The Vanity Fair article highlighted challenges faced by the couple since leaving their royal roles, describing their transition from “divinely chosen” royals to “start-up founders in exile.”
A former Spotify employee criticised their podcast approach, stating: “They didn’t do what celebrities do on podcasts, which is turn on the mic and talk. They wanted a big theme that would explain the world, but they had no ideas.”
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were accused of showing ‘naivety’ in their roles at Spotify
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One producer who worked with the couple described their approach as showing “naivety.”
Sources close to the Sussexes have pointed out that previous employees have gone on record to dispute the claims made in the article.
The Duke and Duchess declined to be interviewed for the Vanity Fair piece.
GB News has contacted Prince Harry and Meghan’s office for comment.