Prince Harry Faces Backlash After Calling America's First Amendment "Bonkers"

Editor's note: This article was originally published on May 18, 2021. It has since been updated.
 
Prince Harry came under fire after he criticized America's First Amendment during his appearance on an episode of the popular Armchair Expert podcast. According to Sky News, in the podcast with actor Dax Shepherd and producer Monica Padman, the British royal took the liberty to crack a joke around one of the most important fundamentals of the American constitution. Speaking of the First Amendment, Harry stated, "I’ve got so much I want to say about the First Amendment as I sort of understand it, but it is bonkers."

He added, "I don’t want to start going down the First Amendment route because that’s a huge subject and one which I don’t understand because I’ve only been here a short time, but you can find a loophole in anything. You can capitalize or exploit what’s not said rather than uphold what is said," according to Metro. As per Cornell Law School, the rule which is regarded as the foundation of the country's social and justice system guarantees "freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition." To be precise, the law prevents Congress from promoting one religion and restricting the citizens from making their voices heard.

Harry's statements were not taken lightly by most Americans. Many prominent figures called out the royal on social media. Ted Cruz, senator for Texas, criticized Harry on Twitter and wrote, "Nice that he can say that."

Many right-wing supporters condemned Harry's comment. "Prince Harry is attacking America's First Amendment. Tells you everything you need to know," wrote Jack Posobiec, a hard-right activist and internet personality. "Sunday riddle: How many more Hollywood-style interviews will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle give before they finally achieve the privacy they claim to be so desperate for?" wrote Candace Owens, an activist and founder of a number of right-wing organizations, according to Sky News.

In addition to Americans, some UK politicians and royal experts also shared their thoughts. Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage also came forward to arraign Harry. "For Prince Harry to condemn the USA’s First Amendment shows he has lost the plot. Soon he will not be wanted on either side of the pond."

However, some were ready to give the Prince the benefit of doubt. They suspected it was just a mistake and asked if his intention was to talk about the Second Amendment that gave citizens the right to bear arms. Meanwhile, Harry has not released an apology or a statement confirming it was just a slip of the tongue.

During the podcast, the father of one also spoke of his mental health struggles and his desire to give up his royal lifestyle in his 20s. "It's the job right? Grin and bear it. Get on with it. I was in my early 20s and I was thinking I don't want this job, I don't want to be here. I don't want to be doing this," said the Duke.

He further added that he changed his mind after meeting his now-wife, Meghan Markle, and seeking therapy for his then deteriorating mental health. However, tables turned after he realized his wife was targeted by the British tabloids just like his mother Diana. As a result, he moved to California with his wife and son, Archie. "I've now moved my whole family to the U.S. but that wasn't the plan. But sometimes you've got to make decisions and put your family first and put your mental health first," said Harry. The couple is expecting their second child soon.

References: 

https://news.sky.com/story/prince-harry-faces-backlash-in-the-us-after-calling-first-amendment-bonkers-12309014#:~:text=The%20First%20Amendment%20covers%20a,for%20a%20redress%20of%20grievances.

https://metro.co.uk/2021/05/17/prince-harry-sparks-anger-in-us-as-he-calls-first-amendment-bonkers-14592594/

https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/first_amendment

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