Prince Harry and Meghan Markle envisioned a carefree life in sunny California, but their reality has been far from that dream.
When the couple left Britain and moved to the U.S., they hoped for a fresh start. Instead, they’ve faced numerous challenges, including struggles to build friendships and Harry’s deep sense of nostalgia for his former life and friends back in the UK. Reportedly, Harry has even been considering purchasing a house in Britain to have a base when visiting his family, despite ongoing tensions with them since stepping down from his royal duties.
Harry has made a few trips to Britain, but whether his wife Meghan and their children will join him in future visits is uncertain. Meghan reportedly fears for their children’s safety in the UK. A source close to the couple revealed Meghan’s hesitation, particularly regarding a trip for the Invictus Games celebration.
“It’s now got to the point where Meghan doesn’t want to come to the UK with the children. She just doesn’t feel safe. The situation is now about whether the family should attend with increased security or Harry should go it alone,” the source explained.
In 2020, after stepping back from royal life, the couple faced additional security concerns. Harry challenged the Home Office’s decision to withdraw his automatic police protection while in the UK. His offer to fund his own security was rejected, with authorities stating that British police could not be privately hired.
“It was with great sadness for both of us that my wife and I felt forced to step back from this role and leave the country in 2020,” Harry’s statement, read by his lawyer Shaheed Fatima KC, noted.
“The UK is my home. The UK is central to the heritage of my children and a place I want them to feel at home as much as where they live at the moment in the US. That cannot happen if it’s not possible to keep them safe when they are on UK soil.”
The Duke added, “I cannot put my wife in danger like that, and, given my experiences in life, I am reluctant to unnecessarily put myself in harm’s way too.”
Despite strained relations with most of the royal family, Harry and Meghan remain close to some members, including Princess Eugenie. Recently, the Sussexes purchased a home in Portugal near Eugenie’s, which some royal experts see as a step toward repairing ties with King Charles and Prince William.
However, rumors of marital discord between Harry and Meghan have emerged. A source told Closer that Meghan is “deeply concerned” the royals could manipulate Harry into returning to royal life.
“Now, if it is deemed safe from a security standpoint, it’s likely she’ll give her blessing for Harry to take Archie and Lilibet to see their grandpa, King Charles, at some point,” the insider explained, according to The Sun. “Having a place in Portugal will make that easier, because Meghan can fly over with the kids without feeling trapped.”
In recent months, the couple has engaged in more solo ventures, fueling speculation about their relationship. Meghan reportedly finds the public scrutiny difficult, especially as she faces criticism while Harry is often praised for his appearances.
“She has really felt the strain in recent weeks, and with all the speculation surrounding her and Harry and their marriage,” a source told GB News.
“They haven’t done themselves any favors by doing so many separate events, but this is what they have decided to do as it works best for them at the moment as a couple.”
PR expert Ed Coram James suggests that pursuing separate projects could help repair their individual reputations. He believes their joint brand has become “toxic” since the controversial Oprah interview.
“This is because the ongoing confrontation with the rest of the Royal Family, as well as much of Meghan’s family, have made them appear confrontational and combative,” James told The Mirror. He noted their projects often fail, leading to a perception of incompetence, and their public appearances have been criticized as “whiny, ungrateful, and unconscious of their privilege.”
“To overcome the obstacles of appearing spoiled, arrogant, immature, attention-seeking, aggressive, fight-picking, hypocritical, and incompetent is very tricky. But it is achievable,” he added.
Renae Smith, founder of PR firm Atticism, agrees but warns that the couple’s decision to focus on separate brands could strain their relationship over time. “From a PR perspective, this shift might allow each of them to create distinct brands that better reflect their different priorities,” she explained.
Harry and Meghan themselves have acknowledged they are at a “crossroads” professionally. While Meghan recently attended a Thanksgiving event hosted by the Southern California Welcome Project, Harry participated in engagements tied to the Invictus Games. At the California event, Meghan expressed gratitude for connecting with women who had resettled in the U.S. from Afghanistan.
“This initiative… has spent the past year building community through storytelling and creating a safe space for women,” Meghan shared.
The couple plans to attend the Invictus Games together in February 2025, marking a rare family appearance with their children, Archie and Lilibet.
At the New York Times’ 2024 DealBook Summit, Harry addressed speculation about their independent engagements.
“They’re fascinated by Meghan, who is in California right now, and you’re here,” interviewer Andrew Ross Sorkin remarked.
Harry quipped, “Because you invited me, you should have known!” before admitting that such speculation isn’t beneficial.
Reflecting on his relationship with the media, Harry said, “I’ve had a lived experience since I was a kid. I’ve seen stories written about myself that aren’t exactly based on reality… and how dangerous it can be over the course of time.”