Prince Harry’s public image has come under scrutiny after a music star questioned whether the Duke of Sussex’s down-to-earth personality is genuine or simply an act.
Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson admitted that although he has always enjoyed Harry’s company, he remains uncertain about one key aspect of the former working royal’s character.
“I’ve met him a few times and I’ve always really liked him,” Wilson told Hello! magazine. “I don’t know whether he’s pretending to be down to earth or he is down to earth.”
The 48-year-old musician acknowledged that public figures often present carefully constructed versions of themselves, joking: “I’m pretending to be a rock star. God knows in this household I’m not.”
According to Wilson, celebrities who reach a certain level of fame become skilled at understanding what people expect from them.
“They’re very good at being exactly what you want them to be,” he explained. “[Harry] was very good at that, and he made me feel like I was his friend.”
While his comments were not entirely critical, Wilson’s uncertainty about Harry’s authenticity has raised questions about whether the Duke’s approachable persona reflects his true character.
The singer also recalled an occasion when Harry attended one of the Kaiser Chiefs’ concerts. Wilson managed to take a selfie with the royal, but Harry gave him one clear instruction before leaving.
“As he was leaving, he said, ‘Don’t put that anywhere,’” Wilson revealed.
Despite casting doubt on Harry’s public persona, Wilson made no secret of his admiration for the monarchy.
Reflecting on a visit to Buckingham Palace with comedian Leigh Francis, the musician said the experience left them overwhelmed with respect.
“We were very respectful. I remember going in and being in awe,” he said. “I love the Royal Family. I think they’re great.”
Wilson acknowledged that his support for the monarchy might seem surprising given his political views, but argued that even committed republicans would struggle to remain unaffected when meeting a member of the Royal Family.
“I know it’s probably an unpopular view to have, especially for someone with my political leanings, [but] I defy anyone, even the biggest anti-royalists, not to be put in a room with a royal and be dead polite,” he said.
He jokingly described that reaction as an automatic response, adding: “It’s like a default setting. You start bowing and curtsying, and you don’t even know why. I like it.”
