Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has found himself at the center of controversy and criticism from royal fans and supporters of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The cause of this uproar?
An amusing Coca-Cola advertisement that seemed to mock the exiled prince.
Airing on Christmas Eve, the advert showcased Sunak having a playful time at 10 Downing Street.
He was seen engaged in a bowling game with Coca-Cola cans and relishing a chocolate chip muffin from Vons, his preferred American supermarket.
In the midst of his enjoyment, he received an unexpected call from a fax machine, which turned out to be none other than Prince Harry.
As the voice on the other end introduced himself as Harry Windsor, Sunak cheekily responded, “Harry who?”
Pretending not to recognize the prince, he swiftly dismissed the call, stating, “Sorry, mate, you’ve got the wrong number.”
Sunak then resumed his bowling game without skipping a beat.
While the advert was intended to be a lighthearted joke and a promotional campaign for Coca-Cola, it has drawn strong criticism from numerous viewers.
Many have deemed it insensitive, disrespectful, and even cruel towards Prince Harry, who has been estranged from his family since he and Meghan made the decision to step back as senior royals and relocate to the United States.
Accusations have been hurled at Sunak, suggesting that he was mocking Harry’s sense of isolation and loneliness.
Others have gone further, asserting that the prime minister was taking a dig at Meghan, known to be a fan of Vons muffins and Mexican Coke, both of which Sunak humorously indulged in during his recent trip to California.
Voices of disapproval flooded social media platforms, with one Twitter user expressing their disgust, stating, “This is disgusting.
How can Rishi Sunak make fun of Prince Harry like that?
He has been through so much and he deserves respect and compassion, not ridicule and mockery.
Shame on you, Rishi.”
Another individual condemned the advert, claiming it was not funny but rather cruel.
They accused Sunak of deliberately antagonizing Meghan Markle by flaunting her favorite treats and snubbing her husband.
This Twitter user labeled the prime minister a bully and hypocrite, demanding an immediate apology to Harry and Meghan.
A third commenter criticized the advert as being tone-deaf and insensitive, declaring it the most offensive they had ever seen.
They branded Sunak a disgrace to his office and the entire country, asserting that he had no understanding of the hardships and sacrifices endured by Harry and Meghan in pursuit of their happiness and freedom.
They concluded by urging him to be ashamed of himself.
However, amidst the backlash, some viewers found the advertisement amusing and came to Sunak’s defense.
They argued that he was simply having a bit of harmless fun and that Harry and Meghan should not take themselves so seriously.
These individuals also commended Sunak for his sense of humor and impressive bowling skills.
One Twitter user expressed their amusement, stating, “This is hilarious.
Rishi Sunak is a legend.
He has a great sense of humor and he is not afraid to poke fun at himself and others.
He is also a good bowler.
Well done, Rishi.”
Another praised the advert, describing Sunak as a genius who fearlessly mocks Harry and Meghan without resorting to nastiness or rudeness.