When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, took the dramatic step of leaving behind their royal duties in the U.K. in 2020, it was seen as a fresh start for the couple. Now, amidst the sunlit charm of Montecito, California, the Duke appears to be navigating a new challenge: finding personal connections in his adopted homeland.
Phil Dampier, a seasoned royal observer, paints a picture of a prince in a poignant situation. "Not only has he lost his family, his royal status and military connections, but he's also lost a lot of friends," Dampier pointed out in a recent interview with Fabulous Magazine. The essence of this sentiment seems to be that Harry's social circle in California lacks the camaraderie of his old mates from back in England.
A source added layers to this narrative by hinting that Harry has shown interest in moving to the East Coast, which would shorten the journey back to London, facilitating easier visits to his family and friends. It's suggested that the proximity to Tinseltown is beneficial for their professional endeavors, but at the cost of Harry's ability to maintain the close bonds he once had in the U.K.
However, the couple's trajectory might be taking another twist. After their eviction from Frogmore Cottage, there's been speculation about the Duke going house hunting in London. An insider mentioned that the couple might be open to using an apartment in Kensington Palace sporadically. "Making use of a small apartment in Kensington Palace from time to time isn't out of the question, but when it comes to a home in the U.K., they will purchase that themselves," the source shared.
Yet, while Harry may harbor hopes of spending time frequently in the U.K., some royal watchers are skeptical about Meghan's return to the British Isles. Commenting on the matter, Tina Brown stated, "She feels that England rejected her, she rejects it and finds it cold and boring. There is nothing in it for her and she loves the Hollywood scene and that's where she wants to be."
Another royal expert, Grant Harrold, who has had a seven-year tenure with the royal family, reiterates Dampier's sentiments, suggesting that Harry has severed ties with many mutual friends he once shared with his brother, Prince William. Harrold noted a marked distance in the relationship between the two princes, lamenting, "They were both very sociable boys. And that's what's so sad about it now, how they've gone from best of friends to non-existent really. They have become so distant."
For the Sussexes, the quest for privacy, peace, and autonomy has taken them on a transatlantic journey. As they carve out their path away from the royal spotlight, it remains to be seen how they navigate these reported personal and professional challenges, especially in the realm of relationships and connections.
