A new Channel 5 documentary, Prince Harry: My Terrible Year, has painted a grim picture of the Duke of Sussex’s 2025, suggesting he is enduring his own “annus horribilis” — the term famously used by the late Queen Elizabeth II to describe her disastrous year in 1992.
The programme, which aired on August 9, gathered royal experts to dissect the scandals, controversies, and personal struggles Harry has faced in the first half of the year. These ranged from losing a lengthy court battle over taxpayer-funded security to pleading for his father, King Charles, to speak with him in a BBC interview. Other blows included Donald Trump’s public criticism, stepping down from his Sentebale charity, and further tensions with the royal family.
Biographer Ingrid Seward criticised Harry for comments about Kate Middleton in his memoir Spare, claiming he had “rubbished Kate for money he didn’t even need” — remarks she said would not be easily forgiven. Former BBC correspondent Michael Cole added that Prince William was unlikely to forgive his younger brother, pointing to the deep hurt caused by perceived insults toward the Princess of Wales. Before Meghan Markle entered the picture, Cole noted, Harry had been very close to Kate, often visiting her and William at Kensington Palace.
The documentary also examined Harry and Meghan’s life after stepping down from royal duties in 2020. Tom Quinn, author of Yes Ma’am, The Secret Lives of Royal Servants, argued their Hollywood ventures have struggled because “one is an actress and one is an ex-royal — they’re not directors or producers.” Another commentator pointed out Harry’s recent polo documentary underperformed, saying he initially attracted interest for his revelations but failed to maintain momentum.
Reports suggest the couple’s $100 million Netflix deal may not be renewed. Journalist Bidisha Mamata told the programme she believes Meghan is better equipped to bounce back, citing her upbringing without privilege and her experience navigating a tough entertainment industry. In contrast, she argued, Harry lacks his wife’s resilience and adaptability when faced with setbacks.
The phrase “annus horribilis” was first made famous by Queen Elizabeth II in a speech marking her 40th year on the throne. In 1992, she endured a string of personal and public crises, including three of her children’s separations, the publication of Diana’s explosive memoir, the exposure of King Charles’s affair, a devastating fire at Windsor Castle, and scandals involving Sarah Ferguson. Reflecting on the ordeal, the Queen noted that no institution should expect to be free from scrutiny, but hoped such criticism could be delivered with “gentleness, good humour, and understanding.”
