In the glittering yet turbulent world of celebrity royalty, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have long been under the microscope. While their fairytale romance captivated millions, behind the smiles and red-carpet poses lies a pattern of moments where the Duchess of Sussex’s actions left her husband visibly uncomfortable, sidelined, or outright humiliated in public. From bossy interruptions to spotlight-stealing antics, these cringe-worthy incidents have fueled endless speculation about the dynamics of their relationship. Here, we count down the **top 20 times Meghan Markle rudely embarrassed Prince Harry**, drawing from viral videos, expert analyses, and insider reports that have left royal watchers stunned.
**20. The “Meghan Claw” Grip at Invictus Games**
At the 2025 Invictus Games opening in Vancouver, Meghan’s tight, claw-like hold on Harry’s arm during a key moment drew widespread criticism. Observers noted it seemed possessive, overshadowing Harry’s signature event and making him appear restrained rather than celebrated.
**19. Interrupting Harry’s Interviews with “Word Salad”**
Body language experts have pointed to clips where Meghan repeatedly cuts in during Harry’s conversations, causing him to “collapse like a soufflé.” In one resurfaced interview, her bossy interjections left Harry trailing off awkwardly, visibly deflated.
**18. The Polo Trophy Block**
During a 2022 polo match celebration, Meghan planted a kiss on Harry and then refused to step aside as his teammates lifted the trophy. She stayed planted in the frame, blocking the view and turning Harry’s team victory into an unintended group photo op centered on her.
**17. Mock Curtsey to the Queen on Netflix**
In their 2022 Netflix series, Meghan dramatically reenacted her first meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, comparing it to Medieval Times and performing an exaggerated curtsey. Harry sat stone-faced and awkward, later appearing to cut her off – experts called it “disrespectful” and embarrassing for him.
**16. Bossing Women at Polo Photo**
A viral clip showed Meghan redirecting a woman away from posing next to Harry in a group shot, insisting she stand beside her instead. Critics branded it “rude and insecure,” with Harry looking on passively as his wife controlled the scene.
**15. Clingy PDA at Charity Events**
Multiple red-carpet appearances, including a 2025 gala, featured Meghan hanging off Harry excessively, with commentators questioning how he “stands it.” One event saw her interrupting his speech to draw attention, leaving him hurried and flustered.
**14. Trooping the Colour Balcony Turn**
At the 2019 Trooping the Colour, Meghan repeatedly turned her back on the crowd to chat with Harry, prompting a sharp correction from him. The moment, caught on camera, highlighted her apparent disregard for protocol and left Harry visibly correcting his wife publicly.
**13. Snatching the Spotlight at Polo**
Another polo incident saw Meghan squeezing into the team celebration photo despite not being part of the win, her oversized hat blocking views. Harry’s proud moment was overshadowed, with fans calling it a classic case of her refusing to let him shine alone.
**12. Awkward Stage Join at Santa Barbara Polo**
A viral 2022 clip showed Meghan joining Harry on stage post-win, leading to “cringe-worthy” awkwardness as she lingered too long. Commentators noted Harry’s discomfort as she inserted herself into his athletic triumph.
**11. “Duchess of Difficult” Staff Stories**
Reports of Meghan’s alleged rudeness to staff – from screaming at palace servants to berating gardeners – have indirectly embarrassed Harry. Insiders claim these incidents, including one where the Queen intervened, painted him as unable to manage his household.
**10. Over-the-Top Affection Backfiring**
Harry’s playful PDA moments, like a red-carpet pat, reportedly left Meghan “mortified,” leading to her banning such gestures publicly. The reversal humiliated Harry, turning his cheeky affection into a source of tension.
**9. Colombia Tour “Choreography” Control**
During their 2024 quasi-royal tour, body language experts claimed Meghan tried to “take the lead” when Harry went “rogue,” disrupting her carefully planned moments and leaving him looking uncomfortable under her direction.
**8. Ignoring Harry’s Discomfort in Interviews**
In joint appearances, Meghan’s dominant style – including wordy tangents – has caused Harry to fade into the background, with experts noting his “embarrassed” expressions as she overshadows him.
**7. Holiday Special Salad Critique**
Meghan’s Netflix holiday special featured Harry awkwardly reacting to her “purgatorial” salad, his cheer evaporating instantly. Viewers noted he looked “embarrassed” by the forced fun.
**6. World Series Tension**
At the 2025 World Series, Harry appeared tense and uneasy while Meghan relaxed and waved to fans. Sources claimed he felt “embarrassed” by surrounding dramas, including staff issues.
**5. Kevin Costner Event Mic Grab Attempt**
Reports of Meghan trying to snatch a microphone during a speech at a charity event left Harry pushing for her inclusion – only for the host to refuse, creating a humiliating public snub.
**4. Medieval Times Queen Mockery Backlash**
Revisiting the Netflix curtsey, experts highlighted Harry’s stunned silence and later intervention, calling it a moment where he seemed “forced to cut off” her “disrespectful” joke.
**3. Public “Clinginess” at Festivals**
At events like One805LIVE, Meghan’s constant physical attachment and interruptions drew “codependent” labels, with Harry hurrying her along in front of photographers.
**2. Staff Bullying Allegations Reflecting on Harry**
Repeated claims of Meghan being “bossy” – from wedding planning rudeness to post-royal staff nightmares – have left Harry defending her amid growing embarrassment.
**1. The Ultimate Spotlight Steal – Polo and Beyond**
The most talked-about? Countless polo and event moments where Meghan positions herself front and center, from blocking trophies to redirecting photos. These repeated incidents culminate in Harry often looking sidelined in his own life – the ultimate public embarrassment for a prince who once stood tall alone.
These moments, pieced together from public footage and reports, paint a picture of a relationship where one partner’s ambition sometimes overshadows the other. Whether it’s intentional or not, Prince Harry’s visible discomfort has royal fans asking: How much more can he take? Share your thoughts in the comments – which moment shocked you the most?
