Prince Harry drew significant criticism following his recent appearance on Stephen Colbert‘s talk show. During the segment, the Duke of Sussex recreated a viral moment from the 2024 season of The Great British Bake Off, where Alison Hammond mistakenly thought a contestant was asking her to “beg” instead of “bake.” This reenactment sparked outrage from various commentators, particularly Rita Panahi of Sky News Australia, who branded Harry a “thirsty attention seeker.”
Panahi expressed her disdain, stating, “We’ve had a few days to digest the latest episode of Prince Harry embarrassing his family, possibly embarrassing the entire country with his thirsty, attention-seeking.” She questioned whether Harry, aged 41, was attempting comedy with his imitation, which she referred to as inappropriate given the context of his royal background.
Critics Voice Disappointment
In a discussion following the clip’s airing, author Douglas Murray shared his feelings of “deep, cringing embarrassment.” He remarked that watching the video was excruciating, saying, “I never want to see it again.” Murray critiqued Harry’s public persona, indicating that the prince seemed intent on diminishing the mystique of the monarchy.
He added, “It’s a terrible way to spend your life. He’s clearly looking for a purpose. It’s a bit odd to try and find it on the Stephen Colbert show.” Murray suggested that if Harry had embraced his royal duties, he could have positively impacted the UK, such as participating in charitable events or engaging with communities.
Murray lamented the lost admiration that the public once held for Harry, asserting, “Nobody wants it. Nobody likes it.” He urged Harry to reflect on the potential life he could have led, which aligned with his royal responsibilities and public service.
Support from Bake Off Contestants
Despite the backlash, some individuals appreciated Harry’s lighthearted approach to the viral moment. Alison Hammond, the original subject of the Bake Off clip, praised Harry’s portrayal, stating, “Harry was so good as well.” Following the broadcast, fellow contestant Mark Lutton appeared on the program, expressing surprise at the clip’s reception. He noted, “I initially thought, to be honest, that it was an AI clip,” reflecting on the unexpected popularity of the moment.
As the conversation around Harry’s public appearances continues, it remains to be seen how his choices will impact his reputation and connection with the public. The contrasting views highlight a divide between those who see value in his efforts to engage humorously and those who feel he is straying too far from his royal heritage.
