Since relocating to California in the summer of 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have encountered a myriad of challenges as they adapt to their new lives in the United States, as outlined by a royal expert.
This adjustment has seen the couple growing increasingly distant from the royal family, resulting in their exclusion from pivotal events both in England and abroad. Despite their close relationship with the Duke of Westminster, Prince Harry and Meghan did not attend his recent high-profile wedding to Olivia Henson at Chester Cathedral, with reports suggesting Harry declined the invitation to sidestep potential awkward encounters with estranged family members.
Royal commentator Richard Fitz Williams delved into the significant hurdles the Sussexes face in the United States in an exclusive interview with the Mirror. Fitz Williams highlighted the difficulty Harry and Meghan encounter in attending comparable events in the US that aren't centered around them. While events like the Met Gala and the Oscars present opportunities for the couple to bolster their image as A-list celebrities, they were noticeably absent from such gatherings, including Barack Obama's 60th birthday celebration in 2021. Fitz Williams pointed out that their exclusion from Time magazine's top 100 list, despite their desire to be featured, reflects a shift towards their presence being primarily featured in gossip magazines like the National Enquirer or Heat.
Regarding the Duke of Westminster's wedding, Fitz Williams emphasized the potential media frenzy Meghan's attendance could have caused. Given Meghan's absence from Britain since Queen Elizabeth's funeral, her presence at such an event would undoubtedly have attracted significant media attention. This heightened scrutiny underscores the challenges the couple faces in maintaining relevance and visibility outside of the traditional royal spotlight.
Despite their efforts to establish new roles for themselves, Harry and Meghan continue to grapple with the repercussions of their royal departure and the intense scrutiny that accompanies their every decision. Their absence from significant gatherings raises questions about their future trajectory and their ability to secure a place among the American elite. Balancing engagement with high-profile events while avoiding the media circus that often surrounds them remains a delicate task for the couple as they navigate their new lives in the United States.