Memes to messages: How the Internet reacted to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s ‘TIME’ cover
Since their whirlwind withdrawal from the British Royal Family in January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been in the heat of public scrutinity.
Though they've mostly kept to themselves and went on to live as regular civilians (with the occasional, explosive Oprah sitdown here and there), the couple has indeed shown the world that love—and consistent interest—can conquer anything.
That's why it comes to no surprise that TIME has chosen the two to be on their 2021 list of 100 Most Influential People. Serving as their first magazine cover together, the power couple once again subverted expectations by having Meghan at the forefront, and Harry subtly holding onto his Hollywood wife from behind.
For their feature, TIME gives the spotlight on the advocacies they've upheld amid the pandemic: "In a world where everyone has an opinion about people they don’t know, the duke and duchess have compassion for the people they don’t know. They don’t just opine. They run toward the struggle."
Like with most of the things that the pair has done, it's since spurred both criticism and praise from all sides. But it has also brought up a number of references from the Internet as well. Here's how the Internet reacted to Harry and Meghan's TIME cover:
With reports that the British taboid is biased against Meghan, some can't help but point out the contrast between the TIME cover.
Them: Nobody wants to work with Meghan and Harry
Time Magazine: Meghan and Harry are two of ‘The World’s Most Influential People’ pic.twitter.com/dCU83ktCkD— TV Fanatic?⚜️ (@TvKhaleesi) September 15, 2021
I’ll have whatever Meghan and Harry are having. thx. pic.twitter.com/Lb6TlOQvlJ
— Tariro Mzezewa (@tariro) September 15, 2021
HARRY AND MEGHAN! THEY ARE SO POWERFUL pic.twitter.com/P4A40wHZDZ
— Sara ✨ (@sara_xo_) September 15, 2021
Meanwhile, others have pointed out that Meghan's power stance is a sign of her breaking traditions and refusing to "stay in her lane."
Ok. This MF picture right hereeeeeeee? The way Harry is just standing next to his woman like “Yeah… she’s that B.” It’s giving what it supposed to gave. I’m done!! pic.twitter.com/bw82UTxwan
— Vee, that’s me! ? (@MeghanMood) September 15, 2021
And here I was thinking the Met Gala was going to serve the looks I needed to see.
King Harry and Queen Meghan said fuck your gala, here's our theme: Influential royalty.
HOW DARE THEY?!!! ???? pic.twitter.com/yljZpEkRQ2— Vanessa Nguyen (@VanessaNguyen28) September 15, 2021
Obsessed with how Meghan and Harry just to continue to thrive whilst the same old people froth at mouth at their existence. Meghan refuses to ‘stay in her lane’ and I fucking love her for that. https://t.co/2H2bCPpaYZ
— Jess Davies (@_JessicaDavies) September 15, 2021
It isn't all praises though, as some have pointed out how their poses depict a sort of stylist-client relationship.
he’s posed like her hairstylist skskks giving @/slayedbyharry https://t.co/2BzSphqLBI
— luna? (@lunaluvvy) September 15, 2021
Prince Harry looks like a European Rodeo Drive hairstylist nervously asking his demanding client if she likes her new ‘do. pic.twitter.com/IcaQktW6Vf
— vbspurs (@vbspurs) September 16, 2021
This looks like Harry is her hairdresser and he’s looking into the mirror explaining what he did to her layers. pic.twitter.com/pLA9Ox034r
— Gráinne Maguire (@GrainneMaguire) September 15, 2021
Plus points for anyone who gets this reference:
This cover is giving me... pic.twitter.com/gV1lDTYaf0
— Belle (@RoyallyBelle_) September 15, 2021
Meanwhile, the couple shares the list with fellow innovators such as Billie Eilish, Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, Elon Musk, and more. Read TIME's full list here.
Banner photo from TIME
