Prince Harry is facing renewed criticism in Britain and Australia after reports claimed the duke is increasingly distressed that his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are growing up isolated from the wider royal family following the Sussexes' move to Montecito.
The debate intensified this week after commentators on Sky News Australia mocked reports suggesting Harry regrets aspects of the California lifestyle he and Meghan Markle built after stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
"I don't know what this spoiled brat expects," presenter Danica De Giorgio said during a discussion with TalkTV host Samara Gill on Sky News Australia's YouTube channel. "What did he expect when he uprooted his family and moved to Montecito and consistently criticised the Royal Family?"
The comments marked one of the sharpest televised rebukes directed at Harry in recent months and reflected how the prince's relationship with the monarchy continues to divide public opinion more than six years after the Sussexes left Britain.
The latest round of speculation was triggered by reports in the British press claiming Harry feels "very sad" that Archie and Lilibet are missing the kind of extended royal upbringing enjoyed by their cousins in Britain, including Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
One source quoted in the Daily Mail said: "Harry feels his children are missing out on the extensive family network that their cousins are enjoying."
The source added: "Archie and Lili are having a lovely time in California, but Harry is very sad that they are missing out on life with the rest of their family."
According to the reports, Harry's feelings intensified after Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales released a birthday photograph and video celebrating Charlotte's 11th birthday. Friends reportedly said the images prompted Harry to reflect on the royal childhood he once envisioned for Archie and Lilibet.
The reports further claimed Harry has discussed with King Charles III the possibility of his children receiving part of their education in Britain. One insider alleged the subject arose during a meeting at Clarence House last September.
"Harry wants his children to have the very best education," the source said, adding that the duke still values the friendships and traditions formed during his own years at Ludgrove School and Eton College.
No official confirmation of those conversations has come from Buckingham Palace or representatives for the Sussexes.
The television discussion in Australia quickly broadened beyond the schooling issue into a wider critique of Harry and Meghan's post-royal life. Samara Gill argued Harry may now be grappling with the long-term consequences of his departure from royal life.
"I don't think he understands what game he plays, it seems," Gill said. "I think that he's realised the mess he's gotten himself into."
Gill also referenced Tina Brown's royal book The Palace Papers, citing a passage suggesting Harry "would have been impressed by a woman who could make a dinner reservation," while arguing the duke had been captivated by Meghan's independence and Hollywood confidence.
The conversation turned especially personal as De Giorgio questioned Harry's judgment and public image, suggesting the prince appears increasingly disconnected from the institution he left behind.
The criticism comes at a complicated moment for Harry publicly. While the duke has spent recent years building projects tied to mental health advocacy, veterans' causes and the Invictus Games, his role within the royal family remains unresolved.
During a visit to Ukraine earlier this year, Harry rejected the suggestion that he no longer performs meaningful public service.
"I will always be part of the Royal Family and I'm here working and doing the very thing that I was born to do, and I enjoy doing it," he told ITV News.
At the same time, speculation about a possible long-term return to Britain has intensified ahead of the Invictus Games 2027 countdown event scheduled for Birmingham. Royal watchers have questioned whether Meghan, Archie and Lilibet could accompany Harry to the UK for the first extended family visit in several years.
