Prince Harry’s “terrible year” just got worse.
A new Channel 5 documentary, Prince Harry: My Terrible Year, has unleashed a tidal wave of criticism against the Duke of Sussex — and this time, the outrage centers on what many royal insiders are calling a deeply personal and unforgivable attack on Kate Middleton.

The Comment That Sparked a Storm

Royal biographer Ingrid Seward didn’t mince words in her assessment of Harry’s latest misstep.

“He rubbished Kate for money he didn’t even need — that will not be easily forgiven.”

It’s a damning accusation, one that implies Harry crossed an invisible but sacred line: publicly disparaging the Princess of Wales, not for political or personal necessity, but for financial gain.

For royal watchers, this isn’t just a casual family squabble gone public. It’s a direct hit at the carefully guarded dignity of the monarchy — and one that could prove impossible to mend.

A Family Rift Deepens

Ever since Harry and Meghan’s explosive departure from royal duties in 2020, tension between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family has been palpable.
But according to palace sources, Harry’s remarks about Kate — which echo earlier allegations from interviews and his memoir — have driven a deeper wedge into already strained relationships.

“This is not the sort of thing the family forgives or forgets,” one royal insider told the program. “You can’t attack the Princess of Wales and expect the public — or the palace — to simply move on.”

The Celebrity Problem

It wasn’t just Harry’s personal comments that took a beating in the documentary. Another royal commentator turned the spotlight on Harry and Meghan’s faltering careers since leaving the monarchy, suggesting the couple’s star power was tied almost entirely to their royal titles.

“They believe they’re really talented but when it comes down to it they’re not. One’s an actress, one’s a royal. That’s it.”

The critique was as brutal as it was succinct, raising uncomfortable questions about whether the Sussexes have been able to translate their fame into meaningful, long-term success in the entertainment industry.

The Polo Debacle

Perhaps the most embarrassing blow came with the dissection of Harry’s Netflix polo documentary — a project that was meant to showcase his beloved sport but instead became a symbol of his dwindling influence.

The verdict from critics was merciless.
The Guardian called it “boring” and “tedious.”
Decider branded it “a dull indulgence.”
Some reviewers even questioned why it had been made at all.

Worse still, audience figures reportedly fell far short of expectations, marking a major setback for the couple’s $100 million Netflix deal.

Meghan’s Show Also Stumbles

If Harry’s polo project was a disappointment, Meghan’s much-hyped lifestyle series With Love, Meghan fared only marginally better.
The cooking-and-hosting hybrid debuted to modest curiosity but failed to make a meaningful impact, ranking just #383 globally on Netflix with 5.3 million viewers.

Critics were unrelenting:

The Guardian dismissed it as “empty content.”

Variety labeled it “an ego trip not worth taking.”

The Economist described it as “out of touch with the times.”

For a couple accustomed to dominating headlines, the lukewarm reception was a sobering reminder that fame doesn’t always guarantee viewership.

The Bigger Picture

The Channel 5 special painted a portrait of a prince in search of purpose — and struggling to find it.

“Harry’s trying to find freedom,” one commentator noted, “and it keeps falling flat. It’s very difficult for him.”

Indeed, since leaving royal life, Harry has juggled media deals, memoir releases, podcast projects, and various speaking engagements. But with each passing year, the question lingers: can he and Meghan sustain their public relevance without leaning on royal drama?

Public Perception Shifting

What makes this latest controversy particularly dangerous for Harry is how it plays with the British public. In the wake of Kate Middleton’s enduring popularity — and her carefully cultivated image as a loyal, graceful, and steadfast royal — attacking her risks alienating even moderate supporters of the Sussexes.

And the fact that the remarks were framed as a profit-driven move only sharpens the sting.

Damage Control?

So far, Harry and Meghan have not responded publicly to the documentary’s criticisms. Whether they will choose to ignore the firestorm or confront it head-on remains to be seen.

But royal analysts are already warning that any attempt to justify the Kate comments could backfire, solidifying the perception that Harry is willing to throw family under the bus for headlines.

The Road Ahead

For Prince Harry, the year has been a sequence of PR pitfalls — each one making the road back to public favor steeper.
If Prince Harry: My Terrible Year is any indication, the tide of sympathy that once followed his and Meghan’s royal exit is ebbing fast.

The question now is whether he can pivot away from controversy and rebuild his image — or whether, as critics suggest, his star power is already in irreversible decline.