Prince Harry’s attempt to make an impression on the American audience during the NFL Honors Ceremony in Las Vegas took an unfortunate turn on Thursday evening.
The Duke of Sussex, fresh from a visit to his father, King Charles, in the U.K., was tasked with presenting the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award to Pittsburgh Steelers’ Cameron Hayward.
However, instead of focusing on the NFL players’ accomplishments, Harry veered off course with a misplaced attempt at humor, remarking, “This doesn’t happen to people like me very often.”
The ill-received comment, perceived as tone-deaf and self-centered, was met with silence and disbelief from the audience, who anticipated a more humble and respectful approach from the royal guest.
Comedian Keegan-Michael Key, the host of the ceremony, swiftly intervened, ushering Harry off the stage with a curt, “Thank you, Prince Harry, for that whatever that was, let’s move on, shall we?”
Criticism of Prince Harry’s blunder flooded social media, with fans and critics of the royal family expressing their disappointment and derision.
Many highlighted the irony of Harry’s statement, given his privileged upbringing and status as a former senior member of the British monarchy.
Some underscored the contrast between Harry’s life of luxury and the challenges faced by individuals like Hayward, a black player who had overcome significant obstacles to achieve success.
Questions arose regarding Harry’s motives for attending the NFL honors, with speculations about boosting his popularity in the U.S. market alongside his wife, Meghan Markle.
The couple’s ventures into multi-million dollar deals with streaming platforms and their foundation, Archwell, added fuel to the criticism.
Some speculated that Harry’s presence at the event aimed to promote his upcoming mental health documentary series co-produced with Oprah Winfrey for Apple TV+.
Harry’s speech, deemed out of touch and lacking in self-awareness, stood in stark contrast to the eloquence displayed by other award recipients such as Tom Brady and Taylor Swift.
The backlash not only tarnished Harry’s image but also reflected poorly on the royal family’s ongoing efforts to repair their reputation post-Harry and Meghan’s controversial departure and interviews with Oprah Winfrey.
Furthermore, Harry’s misstep overshadowed the NFL players’ advocacy for social and environmental causes, diminishing their platform’s impact.
The incident served as a poignant reminder of the disconnect between Harry and the realities faced by those he claims to support, particularly veterans participating in the Invictus Games.
In conclusion, Prince Harry’s misguided attempt to connect with the American audience at the NFL Honors Ceremony resulted in a public relations disaster, highlighting his lack of understanding and sensitivity.
The incident serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of misjudged remarks in the public eye, leaving a lasting mark on Harry’s reputation and credibility.