Tina Brown, former editor of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, had strong words for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on the latest episode of The Ankler podcast, hosted by Janice Min. Promoting her new Substack, “Fresh Hell,” Brown critiqued Markle’s decision-making and Harry’s departure from the royal family, and also looked back on her own missteps working with disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein.
In a no-holds-barred take, Brown described Markle’s judgment as “flawless at getting it all wrong,” adding, “All of [Meghan’s] ideas are total crap, unfortunately.” Brown claims that Markle often seeks advice from people but fails to take it, choosing instead to “do what she wants.”
Brown also weighed in on Harry, describing him as “naïve” and “unschooled in the ways of the world,” speculating that he may be “in the thrall of Meghan.” While she believes Harry was well-suited to his role within the royal family, calling him “the most talented member of the royal family at being a prince,” she fears his newfound path in California may have misled him.
The royal expert added that Harry’s military experience provided structure and growth, transforming him “into a real person,” but she’s skeptical of his future in California. “The tragedy,” she said, “is that Harry is really good at being Prince Harry… and there’s no meaningful rehabilitation without a peace deal with the Firm.”
Reflecting on her own career, Brown admitted her decision to work with Harvey Weinstein on Talk Magazine in the late ‘90s was a mistake. “In probably the dumbest career move of anybody’s life, I left The New Yorker to go into business with Harvey.” She added that while Weinstein didn’t sexually harass her, he was “very difficult in other ways,” leading her to understand why others felt intimidated.
Brown also discussed prominent figures like Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, and Harrison Ford in her wide-ranging conversation, emphasizing her commitment to supporting journalists who “do brave and courageous work” in challenging times.
