Royal author Catherine Mayer has said that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's departure from official royal duties inflicted "very serious damage" on the British monarchy, particularly its standing with younger audiences. Mayer, who wrote the book "Divide & Rule", made the comments to Fox News Digital as Meghan celebrated her 45th birthday, framing the couple's 2020 exit as a lasting rupture within the Royal Family rather than a fleeting controversy.

Mayer argued that the fallout from Harry and Meghan's move to the United States has had a continuing impact on how the institution is perceived, though the article notes she stopped short of framing it as irreversible. The piece ties the comments to ongoing coverage of strained relations between Harry and other senior royals, including reported caution from Prince William, amid wider discussion of the monarchy's efforts to connect with a younger generation.