Don McLean says Prince Harry should 'shut his mouth' after he criticized Elvis Presley in his memoir

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: American singer-songwriter Don McLean has been vocal in his criticism of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, stating that Harry “just doesn’t get America.”

McLean’s comments come in response to the Duke’s remarks about America and his time spent in Elvis Presley’s Memphis mansion, Graceland, which were published in his memoir, 'Spare' in January.

Prince Harry’s criticism of Graceland and Elvis Presley

In his memoir, Prince Harry described his visit to Graceland, the home of the late music icon Elvis Presley, as “dark, claustrophobic.”

He expressed disbelief that the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll lived there, adding, “The King’s interior designer must have been on acid.”

These comments did not sit well with McLean, who took to social media to express his displeasure.

The 'American Pie' singer suggested that Prince Harry, whom he referred to as a “hot house orchid, a show horse who never did a thing,” should refrain from making negative comments about Graceland and Presley.

'“Prince” Harry should shut his mouth about Graceland and Elvis He is a hot house orchid , a show horse who never did a thing" he posted on X (formerly Twitter) on 21 January 2023.

Don McLean’s doubles down on Prince Harry’s remarks on Elvis Presley

McLean has now doubled down on the Duke and further elaborated on his views he has about him

“He doesn’t understand that Elvis is like the poor man’s king. He came from nowhere and his recordings are among the greatest ever made," McLean told Daily Mail in an interview on Friday, March 17.

McLean criticized Prince Harry for comparing Graceland to Buckingham Palace, stating that such a comparison completely misses the point.

"His family were as poor as they could be and Harry criticised Elvis' home as if he's comparing it to Buckingham Palace, and that misses the point completely," he added. 

“Here’s a fellow who has been brought up to be mannerly, but you don’t criticise America when you’re living here as our guest,” McLean continued, and concluded that Prince Harry “just doesn’t get America.”

Prince Harry’s US citizenship and claim he doesn't feel American

Prince Harry’s transition to America has been a topic of discussion, especially after he changed his primary residence from the United Kingdom to America on official paperwork related to Travalyst, his sustainable travel initiative.

This change was backdated to June 2023, around the time when he and Meghan Markle were officially evicted from Frogmore Cottage, as per the Mirror.

In one interview with 'Good Morning America', when asked if he felt American, Prince Harry responded, “Do I feel American?” before answering in one word… “No.”

“I don’t know how I feel,” he added, stating that while the thought of applying for American citizenship has crossed his mind, it is not a priority for him at the moment.