Prince Harry’s latest public appearance has turned into an uncomfortable talking point online. His visit to Ninestiles Academy in Birmingham was meant to highlight the INSPIRE educational program ahead of the upcoming Invictus Games, but attention quickly shifted elsewhere.
A video from the visit spread across social media after viewers noticed what appeared to be an awkward atmosphere between Harry and the students. Several teenagers seemed unimpressed by the famous visitor, with some turning away or barely reacting to him. One student also voiced irritation on camera over the amount of press attention surrounding the event.
Harry’s appearance soon became another major focus. Some commenters described the Duke of Sussex as tired, disheveled and noticeably different from the polished prince they remembered from his years as a working royal. Meghan Markle was inevitably dragged into the discussion, with critics blaming her for the change.
“Meghan destroyed him. What happened to the handsome prince? He looked disheveled, exhausted and deeply unhappy,” one person wrote. Another added: “When Harry went to that school, he looked awful. It showed disrespect to the school and the students.”
The criticism became even more personal. “I don’t think Harry realizes that he is a balding middle-aged man. He’s the same age as these kids’ parents, not some cool dude,” another social media user commented.
Royal biographer Robert Jobson was equally unimpressed after examining footage of the appearance. “I watched this video closely. The kids were completely unimpressed. What’s more, Harry looked a bit battered, disheveled, tired and slightly lost. There was no royal polish on this trip, it all looked very shabby. He clearly missed Meghan — love her or hate her, but at least she knows how to work the camera,” he said on The Royalist podcast.
