For years, Meghan Markle has remained one of the most talked-about figures connected to the British royal family, capable of dominating headlines with almost every public appearance — or even every absence. But this week, the conversation surrounding the Duchess of Sussex took an especially brutal turn after American television openly mocked both her image and her relationship with Prince Harry in front of millions of viewers.

The latest controversy erupted after a segment on Saturday Night Live delivered a sharp joke aimed directly at the Sussexes. During the broadcast, comedian Colin Jost joked that King Charles III had recently visited America in an attempt to “secure the release of a British hostage being held by an American terrorist.” At the exact moment the punchline landed, a photo of Harry and Meghan appeared onscreen, leaving little doubt about who the show was targeting.

For many viewers, the joke was harsh, even cruel. Yet others argued that it reflected a growing shift in how the couple is perceived in the United States. Once celebrated as bold royal rebels building a fresh new life in California, Harry and Meghan now appear increasingly vulnerable to public ridicule, especially from mainstream entertainment platforms that were once considered politically sympathetic to them.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams added fuel to the fire by accusing Meghan of having what he described as a “disastrous habit” of alienating influential people around her. According to him, one of Meghan’s biggest problems is that she takes herself too seriously while constantly projecting an image of positivity that some critics no longer find authentic.

He also claimed that Meghan has repeatedly fallen out with important figures in both her personal and professional life. While such claims remain difficult to fully verify publicly, they have become part of an increasingly common narrative surrounding the Duchess ever since she and Harry stepped down from royal duties in 2020.

The criticism did not stop there. Fitzwilliams referenced ongoing rumors about tensions between Meghan and executives at Netflix, the streaming giant that signed the Sussexes to a major production deal after their move to the United States. Reports suggesting frustration behind the scenes have circulated for months, especially following questions over the couple’s future projects and long-term commercial success.

At the same time, Meghan’s absence from the 2026 Met Gala also attracted significant attention online. The glamorous event, held annually in New York City, usually draws celebrities, billionaires, athletes, designers, and cultural icons from around the world. Considering Meghan’s background as a Hollywood actress and global media personality, many expected she and Harry might attend. Instead, their absence only intensified speculation about where exactly the couple now stands within elite American social circles.

Some readers defended Meghan, arguing that the criticism directed at her often becomes disproportionately personal compared to what other public figures face. “No matter what she does, people seem determined to turn her into a villain,” one social media user wrote after the SNL segment aired. Others, however, argued that public frustration stems from what they see as repeated contradictions between the couple’s messaging and their actions.

That divide has become one of the defining features of Meghan’s public life. To supporters, she represents independence, resilience, and the courage to walk away from an institution she claimed caused immense emotional pain. To critics, she appears overly controlling of her image while simultaneously seeking constant public attention. The reality likely lies somewhere in between, but the polarization surrounding her has only deepened over time.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry’s image has also shifted dramatically in recent years. Once regarded as the monarchy’s most relatable royal, he is now frequently portrayed in British media as isolated from both his family and his former identity. The “hostage” joke from SNL may have been designed for laughs, but many observers noted that it touched on a perception that has quietly followed Harry since relocating to California — the idea that he sacrificed nearly everything familiar for a life that has not fully delivered the peace or popularity many expected.

Royal biographer Phil Dampier recently claimed that much of the American public has “fallen out of love” with Harry and Meghan altogether. While that may be an exaggeration, it is undeniable that the couple no longer enjoys the overwhelmingly positive media treatment they received during their early post-royal years.

Still, despite the criticism, mockery, and endless debate, Meghan remains impossible to ignore. Every appearance, every business decision, and every public reaction surrounding her continues to dominate headlines on both sides of the Atlantic. Whether admired or criticized, she has become one of the most polarizing public figures of the modern royal era — and judging by the latest backlash in America, that conversation is far from over.