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Prince Harry’s Oldest Friends Criticize Him for Oprah Interview
In a revealing memoir, Prince Harry discloses that some of his oldest friends have voiced their disapproval of the explosive interview he and his wife, Meghan, gave to Oprah Winfrey.
However, amidst the criticism, one friend has stood by his side – James Haskell, the former England rugby star who attended Harry's wedding.
Haskell shares that he and Harry often exchange parenting advice and even defends his friend's decision to publish his book, Spare.
“When someone feels oppressed, lied about, contradicted, and cornered, I think it's crucial to speak out,” Haskell states.
Yet, Haskell inadvertently reveals his true thoughts about Harry, claiming that he has changed for the worse since marrying the American former actress.
Recounting their initial meeting at the 2011 wedding of their mutual friend and fellow former England rugby star Mike Tindall to Zara Phillips, Haskell muses, “Who should be there, wandering around, having a good time, but Prince Harry.
He hadn't met Meghan yet, so it was still quite fun.”
Haskell makes this comment during The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, a live version of their popular rugby podcast held at Bath Forum in Somerset for the World Cup afterparty.
The audience responds with cheers and applause.
Earlier this year, Haskell and Tindall recorded a special World Cup edition of their podcast at Windsor Castle, where they were joined by Tindall's mother-in-law, Princess Anne, as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales.
On stage in Bath, Haskell playfully mocks Tindall for allegedly being overly deferential to his in-laws.
“I don't know how to say this, but Tindall has a proper brown nose around the royals,” he declares.
“He's taken brown nosing to a new level.
They called him soulsy at the palace because the only thing you see hanging out of the backsides are the soles of his feet.
And he's also known as a bit of a cuckoo because since he joined up, he's had Harry out, and he's had Prince Andrew out of the family as well.
He's one big plane crash away from being king.”
The audience erupts in laughter as Haskell jokes about Tindall booking their travel arrangements, even suggesting that Charles may ask him if they really have to fly to Afghanistan on Ryanair.
Adding to the lighthearted banter, Haskell pokes fun at the tea service they received at Windsor Castle, describing how they were served tea in chipped, mismatched mugs with cheesy slogans such as “Best dad in the world” and “I hate my brother.”
To his surprise, someone had crossed out Prince Andrew's picture and written “dickhead” on it.
These anecdotes further solidify rumors that Harry has become a solitary figure, and his once-close circle of friends has dwindled.
Royal author Phil Dampier remarks on the consequences of Harry marrying Meghan and moving to California, stating, “There's been a massive cost for Harry – not only has he lost his family, his royal status, and military connections, but he's also lost many friends.
I get the impression that he hasn't got a circle of drinking buddies, but he can unwind within Montecito, which is a population of older people, and I'm sure that takes its toll.
He's dependent on Meghan for his social life, and for someone who used to be one of the lads in the army, that must affect his mental health.”
Another royal expert, Kinsey Schofield, claims that Harry leads an isolated and lonely life with Meghan Markle.