Prince Harry is reportedly struggling more than Meghan Markle with life in Hollywood, feeling uneasy with constant public attention and disconnected from his royal roots.
While Meghan thrives in California, the Duke of Sussex is said to be missing the structure of royal and military life and feels saddened that his children lack ties to the UK.
Now focused on fatherhood and the Invictus Games, Prince Harry is returning to London for a High Court case, with no family reunions expected during the visit.
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Prince Harry Feels Torn Between Hollywood Life And Royal Roots, Royal Expert Says
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Prince Harry is reportedly having a harder time adjusting to life in Hollywood than his wife, Meghan Markle, who insiders claim has settled comfortably into the spotlight.
Royal biographer Christopher Andersen told Us Weekly that the Duke of Sussex feels “somewhat uneasy” with constant public attention, alleging Harry has long struggled with “crippling social anxiety.”
Now 41, Harry is reportedly still navigating the emotional pull between his life in California and his estranged ties to the UK and the royal family.
According to Andersen, occasions when the royals gather, such as Christmas at Sandringham, are particularly painful for Harry.
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While he appears content living in Montecito, the author suggests that he feels a deep sense of loss, as his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are growing up disconnected from royal traditions and family history.
“Neither he nor his children are sharing in their royal heritage,” Anderson noted.
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The Duke’s California Life Sparks Debate Over Freedom, Structure, And Identity
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Not everyone agrees with Andersen’s claims about Harry and his life in California with his wife and kids.
A source close to the couple said, “Harry is so happy living in the private world,” free from the British tabloids and the constraints of royal life, adding that “even though he was raised [as a royal], he was never comfortable in that environment. He feels more like himself here.”
The insider added that Harry “had this crazy schedule and would come back through the palace gates and couldn’t go out or have a personal life.”
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Royal Author Says Prince Harry’s Long Military Career Proves He Misses The Structure Of Royal Life
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Andersen argues that structure once suited Harry well, pointing to the prince’s decade-long military career.
According to the royal author, values like discipline, duty, and honor were central to Harry’s identity, elements Andersen believes are missing from his current lifestyle.
Losing his honorary military titles after stepping back from royal duties in 2020 was reportedly one of the most difficult moments for him.
In contrast, the Invictus Games, which Harry founded, have since become a “lifeline,” and a vital connection to his military roots, Andersen shared.
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Meghan Markle Builds Her Empire As Prince Harry Reportedly Focuses On ‘Being A Hands-On Dad’
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Meanwhile, Meghan is focused on expanding her media and lifestyle ventures, while Harry is said to be prioritizing being a hands-on father.
Royal historian Marlene Koenig noted that Meghan has effectively become the family’s “breadwinner” while Harry is “spending time with his young children and being a hands-on dad.”
Harry has previously spoken about his sadness over not being able to easily share his homeland with his children, especially after losing a legal battle over UK security.
“The things that [my kids are] going to miss is, well, everything,” he told the BBC last spring. “I love my country, I always have done… and I think that it’s really quite sad that I won’t be able to show my children my homeland.”
However, a recent ruling granting the family protection during visits has offered some relief. While he is expected to remain based in California, sources say Harry hopes to spend more time in the UK in the future and eventually rebuild some form of relationship with his family.
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Prince Harry Returns To London For High Court Battle As Royal Family Remains Apart
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For now, Harry is set to return to London next week for the opening of his High Court case, the final stage in a series of lawsuits against Associated Newspapers.
While he is expected to spend most of the week in court, senior royals will be elsewhere.
Prince William and Kate Middleton are scheduled to carry out a joint engagement in Scotland on January 21, placing them far from the capital.
King Charles is also not expected to meet with his younger son, as he will be in Scotland as well, with official duties at the Palace of Holyroodhouse beginning January 19.
The lawsuit involves several prominent figures, including Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley, and Sadie Frost, who are jointly accusing Associated Newspapers, the publisher behind the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, of unlawful information-gathering practices. The company has “vigorously” denied the claims.
Harry last saw his father in September during a brief meeting that marked their first face-to-face encounter in 18 months. This time, however, overlapping schedules suggest his visit will be focused solely on legal proceedings rather than family matters.