King Charles and his eldest son, Prince William, have left Prince Harry metaphorically eating salt water for breakfast.
This situation isn’t just about surfing; it’s a royal wipeout for the "spare" prince, Harry, who is now enjoying life under the warm Californian sun. Recently, a video surfaced showing Harry attempting to surf at Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch—a wave pool located in landlocked California. The footage was posted by surfing legend Rayman van Basta, who seemed to wax poetic about Harry's attempt. However, this was far from the gnarly, surf-bro moment Harry might have envisioned.
Meanwhile, back in the UK, King Charles and Prince William continue to exemplify athletic prowess. Charles, in his youth, was often referred to as "Action Man" due to his athletic feats. Whether windsurfing, skiing, or playing polo, the king moved with an air of elegance and vigor, earning admiration. Naturally, the internet couldn't resist comparing Charles’ grace in sports to Harry’s less-than-stellar performance in the pool. In contrast to his father’s sporting achievements, Harry’s surf attempts in a man-made wave pool seemed to fall short of expectations.
Speaking of King Charles, let’s take a moment to appreciate the old photos of him in his prime. Fit, athletic, and charismatic, Charles was a heartthrob in his younger days. He exuded dignity in every endeavor, something Harry, now fully immersed in the California lifestyle, seems to have left behind. And then there’s Prince William, who inherited both his father's natural athleticism and a sense of poise. While Harry struggles to catch waves in a wave pool, William is tackling real-world issues like homelessness and mental health. It’s hard not to draw comparisons between the two brothers, especially when William continues to engage with meaningful causes, while Harry’s public persona seems to revolve around half-hearted efforts.
Some supporters of Harry might argue that he's simply taking a break and enjoying a moment of peace. But if peace means struggling to paddle in an artificial wave pool, then the comparison feels even more stark. His attempt at surfing resembled more of a toddler learning to stand than the image of a confident, skilled surfer. The broader issue is that Harry’s public persona has morphed into a series of “almost” moments. He’s almost a surfer, almost a soldier, almost a pilot. It feels like every role he steps into is a shadow of what his father and brother have fully embraced.
While it might seem unfair to constantly compare Harry to Charles and William, it's inevitable. When your father was a revered sportsman, admired for his grace, and your brother continues to embody leadership and poise, comparisons are bound to arise. Unfortunately for Harry, these comparisons rarely work in his favor. Add to that the perception of constant complaints and grievances, and Harry’s charm has faded significantly in the eyes of many observers.
What’s even more ironic is Harry’s apparent pride in his wave pool surfing adventure, as though it were some sort of accomplishment. But let’s be real—he’s surfing in a controlled environment in California, a state known for its real beaches with natural waves. Perhaps he could take a lesson from his father’s book and hit the actual ocean instead. King Charles earned his "Action Man" status by braving real elements, not by riding synthetic waves. If Harry wants to impress, he’ll need to prove he can handle the real surf without assistance. But given the trajectory of his recent efforts, that seems unlikely.
Harry’s life seems to mirror his surfing attempts—everything feels half-hearted. He’s half a surfer, half a royal, half present in his public duties. It’s as though he’s continually attempting to mimic his father and brother, but without any of the authentic skill or dedication. Surfing, like life, requires balance, commitment, and a certain finesse—all of which seem to elude the Duke of Sussex.
While William focuses on meaningful causes like helping the homeless and making tangible contributions to society, Harry is busy chasing dreams in the Californian sun, catching artificial waves and living a lifestyle that feels more like a delusion than a reality. And as Harry continues to embrace his “surfer phase” in California, it’s hard not to remember that his father and brother have conquered not only the waves but life itself—with far more grace and dignity.
