Prince Harry’s latest public appearance has ignited yet another controversy—this time, over his accent. The once proudly British Duke of Sussex now sounds, according to critics, like he’s gone full Hollywood.

In a viral video shot in New York City, Harry is seen alongside rapper Jelly Roll, pretending to get a neck tattoo while inviting him to headline the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. But instead of the usual headlines about charity or royal family drama, viewers were fixated on one thing: Harry’s bizarrely Americanized accent.

Gone were the crisp, posh tones of his royal upbringing. Instead, Harry casually tossed around American slang like “dude” and even referred to a tattoo as “badass”—a far cry from the British “mate” and “arse” he grew up with.

Lol, I am watching it now. He uses an American accent. Its been 4 years, born and brought up in the most British speaking family in England and it took him 4 years to speak in an American accent. He is fake, fake, fake and a loser

— Savanna (@Savanna221988) November 24, 2024

“Fake, Fake, Fake”: Social Media Slams Harry’s Transformation

The internet was not impressed.

On X (formerly Twitter), users unleashed a flood of criticism.

“Lol, four years in America and Prince Harry has ditched the British accent for this cringe-worthy attempt at sounding American. Fake, fake, fake…” one user scoffed.

Another blasted, “He’s losing his British accent completely! It’s embarrassing to watch.”

“His Britishness is fading fast,” another user noted. “It sounds forced, like he’s trying way too hard to fit in.”

This isn’t the first time Harry has been accused of ditching his heritage. Back in 2022, viewers noticed a similar shift when he appeared in a promotional video for BetterUp, where he serves as Chief Impact Officer. Critics then, too, accused him of abandoning his roots in favor of his California lifestyle.

Experts Say Harry’s Accent Shift Is No Accident

Speech experts have been closely monitoring Harry’s evolving accent for years. According to Emma Serlin, a communication coach, the Duke’s voice has undergone a significant transformation since marrying Los Angeles-born Meghan Markle.

“Harry’s accent now sounds much more middle class, with a noticeable American influence,” Serlin remarked. “He’s clearly adapting to his environment—and, dare I say, to his wife.”

But Serlin also suggested the change might be part of a calculated move.

“Harry has always softened his royal accent, but now he’s fully embraced a new identity. He’s no longer ‘Prince Harry of the Royal Family.’ He’s ‘Harry, the Americanized rebel,’” she said.

A Strategic Break from Royal Tradition?

Anthony Shuster, another accent specialist, says Harry’s speech now stands in stark contrast to King Charles III’s refined, traditional diction.

“King Charles represents everything quintessentially British,” Shuster noted. “Harry, on the other hand, sounds like he’s trying to distance himself from that heritage as much as possible.”

According to Shuster, this could be a deliberate attempt to appeal to American audiences.

“He’s playing to a new crowd,” Shuster explained. “But the question is: Does that mean abandoning his old one?”

Influenced by Meghan—or Just Imitating?

Critics have long suggested that Meghan Markle, a former Hollywood actress, has been the driving force behind Harry’s cultural shift. And language experts agree that prolonged exposure to someone with a different accent can cause subtle changes over time.

“Living with Meghan and being surrounded by American culture has clearly influenced Harry’s speech,” said Shuster. “But at some point, it starts to look less like influence and more like imitation.”

Some even argue that Harry’s shift is part of a larger pattern—one where he appears to shed his royal identity piece by piece.

A Betrayal of His British Heritage?

For many Brits, this isn’t just about an accent—it’s about identity. Prince Harry was once seen as a beloved royal, the cheeky but charming younger son of King Charles and Princess Diana. Now, critics argue, he’s morphing into something unrecognizable.

“He’s selling out,” one royal watcher claimed. “First the royal titles, then the traditions, and now even his voice? What’s left of the real Prince Harry?”

Even Harry’s own words seem to echo the shift. During a recent interview on Good Morning America, he proudly declared, “Our kids are bilingual—they’ll thrive here.” Some took this as yet another sign that Harry is fully embracing American life, with little intention of returning to his British roots.

The Fallout: What’s Next for Harry?

As Prince Harry continues to reinvent himself across the Atlantic, one thing is clear: his every move—and now, every word—is being scrutinized.

For critics, his accent is just the latest proof that Harry has traded his royal legacy for Hollywood glam. And for many in Britain, the transformation isn’t just disappointing—it’s downright betrayal.

So, what’s next for the once-proud prince? A permanent American accent? Or perhaps a complete renunciation of his royal ties?

In the eyes of many, the Duke of Sussex has already crossed the line. The question is: Is there any turning back?