“FROM ROYAL RESERVE TO FULL-ON PDA — AND PEOPLE ARE NOT HOLDING BACK.” What once defined their image — distance, discretion, royal restraint — is now being flipped on its head, as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are accused of stepping into a completely different playbook… one critics say looks strikingly similar to the high-profile, affection-heavy style of the Kardashian family.
FROM PALACE PROTOCOL TO PUBLIC PDA: HARRY AND MEGHAN’S ‘KARDASHIAN-STYLE’ REBRAND SPARKS FIERCE DEBATE
They were once the couple who defined a modern, more relaxed royal image — but still within the bounds of tradition. Now, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing a very different kind of scrutiny, as critics claim they’ve entered a new phase of ultra-visible, headline-grabbing affection that’s drawing comparisons to the ever-public Kardashian family.
The shift hasn’t happened overnight. In fact, early appearances after their royal exit were still marked by a degree of restraint — hand-holding, brief gestures, the occasional affectionate glance. But in recent months, observers say the tone has noticeably changed.
“It’s more frequent, more obvious,” one media insider noted. “There’s a level of visibility now that feels very different from before.”
From red carpet arrivals to staged appearances and candid-looking moments that quickly circulate online, the couple’s interactions have become a focal point in their public image — and, increasingly, a talking point.
Critics argue that the displays risk appearing overly curated, suggesting a deliberate pivot toward a more celebrity-driven model of engagement, where personal connection becomes part of the broader brand.
“When you’re constantly photographed in those moments, people start to question whether it’s organic,” one royal commentator said. “That’s where the Kardashian comparison comes in — the idea that private emotion is being presented as public content.”
The comparison itself has divided opinion.
Supporters of Harry and Meghan insist the narrative is unfair, pointing out that the couple are no longer bound by royal protocol and are free to express themselves naturally.
“They’ve stepped away from that system,” a source close to the Sussexes said. “Why should they still behave as if they’re constrained by it?”
Others, however, see the change as part of a broader repositioning — one that aligns more closely with modern celebrity culture than traditional royal expectations.
“It’s a rebrand, whether intentional or not,” another insider suggested. “They’re operating in a completely different space now, and the rules are different.”
The debate highlights a wider question that has followed the couple since their departure from royal duties: how to balance authenticity with visibility in an era where every moment can be captured, shared and dissected within seconds.
There has been no official comment from the Sussexes on the latest wave of criticism. But the conversation continues to build across social media and entertainment circles, with each new appearance adding fuel to an already active discussion.
For some, the increased openness is refreshing — a sign of a couple comfortable in their own space. For others, it represents a step too far into performative territory.
What remains clear is that Harry and Meghan’s public image is still evolving — and not without controversy.
In a landscape where perception can shift overnight, even the smallest gesture can carry outsized meaning.
And right now, those gestures are being watched more closely than ever.