Four years after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties and moved to California, the Duke of Sussex reportedly struggles with isolation and longing for his old life in the United Kingdom.
Sources close to Harry suggest that the transition to life in Montecito, California, has proven more difficult than anticipated as the Duke navigates the complexities of living far from home. According to one of Prince Harry’s oldest friends, Harry is harboring deep-seated anger and frustration, preferring to be back in Britain with his loved ones. The friend mentioned that Harry occasionally sends a WhatsApp message and feels things haven’t gone as planned.
Another source, who has known Harry since his teenage years, remarked that he likely misses his previous lifestyle, including nights at the pub and weekends spent in the English countryside with friends. The source also suggested that Harry has become increasingly isolated from his family and old friends in his current environment, where forming deep, lasting friendships isn’t the same as in his younger days.
It’s believed that Harry deeply misses Britain and longs for the admiration his brother William and sister-in-law Kate receive. Those close to him think he would rather be in the UK, enjoying the same public affection that William and Kate experience.
The Duke’s life in California has been described as a gilded exile — one where the comforts of wealth and privacy have not filled the void left by his departure from the UK. Harry’s struggle is compounded by the distance between him and his family. Reports indicate that Harry and his brother, Prince William, have not spoken for nearly two years. The release of Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” has only deepened the rift, with some insiders suggesting that William would not welcome Harry back for future royal events, including a potential coronation.
Harry and Meghan’s recent visit to Colombia from August 15 to August 17, 2024, further highlighted their unique challenges. As part of their second royal-style tour this year, the couple engaged in various cultural and social events, including a visit to a traditional African drumming school in Cartagena. However, the trip drew criticism for the massive security costs involved. Colombian officials revealed that the visit cost taxpayers approximately $1.9 million to cover security measures, which included 3,000 police officers and military personnel.
While Meghan appeared to embrace the local culture, participating in drumming sessions and giving speeches in Spanish, Harry’s mood was described as more reserved. Observers noted the heavy security presence, which included helicopters and bomb disposal units, overshadowed the couple’s charitable intentions. Local media questioned whether the visit was truly about humanitarian efforts or served more to bolster the couple’s international brand.
According to an insider, the initial excitement of their new life in the U.S. has faded, and Harry is now struggling to keep himself occupied. Whether he will eventually return to the UK or continue to build a life in California remains to be seen. For now, his story reflects the difficulties of reconciling a desire for privacy with a deep-rooted connection to his former life.
