Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are treating life like a 'prom event' as they surround themselves with Hollywood stars and live 'the California lifestyle', Charlotte Griffiths

Charlotte Griffiths, editor-at-large for the Mail on Sunday, recently remarked on the Mail+'s weekly talk show, Palace Confidential, that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are treating their new life in California like a "prom event." Griffiths observed that the Montecito-based Duke and Duchess of Sussex appear to view life as a series of red carpet events, aligning with their attempts to break into the world of showbusiness.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend Intrepid Museum Annual Salute To Freedom Gala in 2021

The panel on Palace Confidential also discussed the growing backlash over the decision to award Prince Harry the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYs. This award, named in honor of Pat Tillman—an American football star who gave up a £3 million contract to enlist in the US Army after 9/11 and was later killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan—has stirred controversy. Pat Tillman's mother, Mary, expressed her shock and disappointment at the decision, stating that there are more deserving recipients who do not have the same level of resources, connections, or privilege as Prince Harry.

The conversation highlighted the contrasting lifestyles between the Sussexes and the traditional roles within the British Royal Family. Critics argue that while the couple embraces the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, this approach may be seen as tone-deaf to the more serious aspects of their public roles and the values traditionally upheld by the Royal Family.

In the recent discussion on Palace Confidential, Mary Tillman, Pat Tillman's mother, expressed her shock and dismay over the decision to award Prince Harry the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service. She stated that she was not consulted about the decision and believes there are recipients more fitting for the award, who do not possess the money, resources, connections, or privilege that Prince Harry has.

Host Jo Elvin asked Charlotte Griffiths whether the Sussexes were being "tin-eared" to the criticism they have faced over the past week. Charlotte responded by likening Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's current lifestyle to a prom event, with Meghan setting up various events for them to attend together. She remarked, "I get the impression that life for Meghan Markle at the moment is a sort of prom event and [Harry] is the prom king and she's the prom king and she's setting up all these events over the years that they can attend together."

Charlotte Griffiths, the Editor at Large for the Mail on Sunday, told the Mail+'s weekly talk show that the Montecito-based Duke and Duchess of Sussex are treating life 'like a red carpet event'

Charlotte Griffiths, Rebecca English, Richard Eden and Jo Elvin discuss Harry and Meghan on Palace Confidential  

Griffiths' comments highlight the perception that the couple is focused on maintaining a glamorous and high-profile lifestyle, which may seem out of touch with the more serious and grounded aspects of public service and their past royal duties.

In the ongoing discussion on Palace Confidential, Charlotte Griffiths noted that Meghan Markle did not attend the Living Legends of Aviation event with Prince Harry due to a similar controversy that occurred before the event. She expressed interest in whether Meghan would accompany Harry to the upcoming ESPYs, where Serena Williams, a close friend of Meghan, will be presenting the Pat Tillman Award.

Griffiths emphasized that life for the Sussexes seems to revolve around red carpet events, which can come across as tone-deaf given the serious nature of many of these occasions. Since their move to California, Harry and Meghan have embraced a celebrity lifestyle, frequently appearing at film premieres, accepting awards, and creating content for Netflix.

Ever since they left the Royal Family for America, the Sussexes have been living the California lifestyle, walking on red carpets, accepting awards and making more content for Netflix. Above: Harry and Meghan are pictured with Brian Robbins and Tracy James

Meghan Markle has openly expressed her excitement about returning to the entertainment industry. Last November, she told Variety she was "thrilled" to be back during a red carpet event at the Variety Power of Women event in LA. Recently, she has been soft-launching her new brand, American Riviera Orchard, even sending jars of her strawberry jam to celebrities like Chrissy Teigen and Mindy Kaling. Her mother, Doria Ragland, has also been seen mingling with notable figures such as Beyoncé's mother, Tina Knowles, and Kris Jenner.

Meghan told Variety was 'thrilled' to have returned to the entertainment industry last November during a red carpet of the Variety Power of Women event in LA (pictured at the event)

It was revealed that Meghan had aspirations to be a major influencer as early as 2019, reportedly telling a PR firm that she wanted to "break the internet." A source told The Sun that Meghan was very hands-on with the strategy to achieve this goal.

Doria has previously been spotted at events with other high-profile guests, including Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian (pictured at This Is About Humanity charity gala last August)

Rebecca English, Royal Editor at the Daily Mail, contrasted the Sussexes' current lifestyle with that of the British Royal Family. She pointed out that it is rare for royal family members to receive awards for their service, as they consider the service itself to be the reward. English suggested that Harry and Meghan's pursuit of awards highlights their shift towards a showbiz celebrity lifestyle, which is markedly different from their previous roles.

Rebecca English, Royal Editor at the Daily Mail spoke on Palace Confidential about how different their lifestyle is to that of The Firm

Charlotte Griffiths added that Prince Harry's nomination for the Pat Tillman Award is based on his military service from 2005 to 2015, which feels outdated. She commented that while the award celebrates his past achievements, it underscores the need for new contributions. This perspective highlights the disconnect between the Sussexes' current activities and their past public service roles.