It’s been half a decade since Prince Harry officially left the royal fold and settled in sunny California with Meghan Markle and their two young kids. But despite the glamor of Montecito living and high-profile Netflix deals, royal insiders and experts say Harry’s American chapter hasn’t been quite the fairy tale he might’ve hoped for. In fact, it seems the Duke of Sussex is grappling with regrets, struggles, and a sense of exile that no royal title can fix.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams didn’t hold back when he described Prince Harry and his messy situation in California to Fox News Digital: “[Harry] is in exile… He appears to have lost touch with many of his friends and, of course, there is the royal rift.”
According to Fitzwilliams, while Meghan’s been the one in the spotlight lately, launching lifestyle products backed by Netflix, Harry’s own efforts have been met with mixed feelings. Remember when he got that Pat Tillman Award? A petition with 76,000 signatures slammed the honor, a clear sign that many Americans don’t exactly swoon over the Sussexes anymore.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Life in California Is Allegedly Stressful
Royal historian Marlene Koenig echoed the sentiment to Us Weekly, pointing out how Harry, now 40, is “struggling to find a meaningful role for himself in the U.S.” It’s a tough gig, trying to use a royal title to help support a family while building a new life outside the palace walls.
“He was always expected to play a supportive but not a supporting role,” Koenig said, highlighting the tricky balance Harry faces: comfortable at home with Meghan and the kids, but lacking “the comfort of success outside home.”
That struggle hasn’t gone unnoticed by other royal watchers. British royals expert Hilary Fordwich painted a pretty bleak picture, saying Harry’s life now “is characterized by frustration, lack of clear achievement and his persistent struggle to carve out anything either lucrative or fulfilling.”
Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, is thriving, but Harry hasn’t quite landed on his own winning formula. His popularity has plummeted both in the UK and the US, and those close to him say he’s homesick, missing old friends and military comrades who used to be central to his life.
Harry Frustrated With Royal Family Feud
Royal commentator Amanda Matta also shared some insight, noting Harry “doesn’t appear to regret” stepping back from royal duties, but he’s definitely “frustrated” by how his relationships with family members deteriorated after his departure. Meanwhile, Meghan seems laser-focused on carving out her identity and ventures outside the royal bubble.
Let’s not forget what led to all this in the first place: the Sussexes stepping back in 2020, citing relentless press intrusion and a lack of palace support. Since then, Harry and Meghan have aired grievances in interviews and documentaries, with Harry’s 2023 memoir Spare pouring gasoline on the royal family feud by revealing some uncomfortable truths.
Fitzwilliams pointed out that most of Harry’s notable achievements, like founding the Invictus Games and his charity work with Sentebale and WellChild, came before Meghan entered the picture. “His most publicized activities with Meghan have been their 2021 Oprah interview, the Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, and his memoir Spare, all of which did considerable damage to the royal family,” he said. And Harry’s recent Netflix projects and appearances, including a music video cameo, haven’t exactly wowed audiences.
Harry Likely Regrets Some Of His Actions
Meanwhile, Harry’s brother, Prince William, seems to have found his footing, preparing to one day take the throne while supporting their father, King Charles. According to Koenig, the brothers are “separated by more than an ocean,” a gulf deepened by circumstance and choice.
British broadcaster Helena Chard summed it up bluntly: Harry “has taken his eye off the ball.” She pointed out that instead of focusing on building a strong brand or charity work, he’s been caught up in legal battles and family drama. “I’m sure Harry is regretful that he has given so much time to angry battles,” Chard said. It’s time for Harry to “keep his head down and excel in all that he loves.”
At the end of the day, Prince Harry’s journey in California is still unfolding, marked by highs, lows, and plenty of soul-searching. While he’s undeniably found happiness with Meghan and their children, the challenge remains: can he build a fulfilling, respected life away from the royal spotlight, or will those regrets continue to shadow his story? Only time will tell.
Nina Franklin 
Sabrina Russell 
Kenna Raye 
