Prince Harry seems to be receiving quite a reality check as he navigates the laid-back California lifestyle.
Unlike his father, King Charles, and his brother, Prince William, who have both excelled in their respective roles, Harry appears to be struggling, metaphorically eating "salt water for breakfast." His current situation isn't just about surfing; it's a broader challenge of finding his footing. While basking in the Californian sun, Harry was recently spotted at Kelly Slater's Surf Ranch, a wave pool in landlocked California.
Surfing legend Rayman Van Bosta shared a video of Harry attempting to catch a wave, offering praise for the Duke of Sussex. But despite the admiration, the moment was far from the "gnarly surf bro" image Harry may have envisioned.
Across the Atlantic, King Charles and Prince William have long been celebrated for their athletic prowess. King Charles, once dubbed "Action Man" for his youthful energy and athletic grace, mastered windsurfing, skiing, and polo with an air of elegance. Naturally, the internet wasted no time in drawing comparisons between Charles’s sportsmanship and Harry’s less-than-stellar attempt at wave pool surfing. It’s hard not to recall the old photos of a fit, athletic Charles—commanding in every endeavor he undertook, always embodying dignity and finesse. Meanwhile, Harry, now often seen as a symbol of the carefree California lifestyle, seems to have left behind that same grace back in the UK.
Prince William, who has inherited much of his father’s athleticism and composure, contrasts starkly with Harry’s efforts in the wave pool. While Harry struggles to pop up on a man-made wave, William is focused on meaningful global issues like homelessness and mental health. Supporters of the Sussexes might argue that Harry is simply enjoying a well-deserved moment of peace, but the reality appears far different. His efforts on the wave pool, more akin to a toddler learning to stand, represent a broader issue: Harry’s public persona has become one of near misses. He's an almost surfer, almost soldier, and almost pilot, always falling just short of the excellence his father and brother exhibit.
Some royal watchers might argue that comparing Harry to Charles and William is unfair, but with a father renowned for his athleticism and a brother embodying leadership and grace, such comparisons are inevitable. Harry, unfortunately, falls short in this narrative. Adding to the absurdity is his apparent belief that surfing in a wave pool is some kind of achievement. California, after all, is full of real beaches with actual waves. Perhaps he should take a cue from his father, who earned his "Action Man" reputation by conquering real challenges—not synthetic ones.
If Harry truly wants to impress, he'll need to step up and face genuine waves without the assistance of a manufactured environment. Until then, he remains a half-hearted participant—half surfer, half royal, and half present in his public duties. His efforts feel like an ongoing attempt to mimic his father and brother, but without the skill, dedication, or balance that defines them. Surfing, much like life, requires finesse and commitment—qualities that seem to elude the Duke of Sussex.
Meanwhile, Prince William is busy working on impactful initiatives that contribute to the greater good, while Harry seems preoccupied with racking up bills and riding manufactured waves. The question remains: Is Harry living the California dream, or is he caught in a delusion? As Harry continues this surfer phase, it’s worth remembering that King Charles and Prince William haven’t just mastered the waves; they’ve mastered life itself—with a level of grace, dignity, and focus that Harry, thus far, struggles to emulate.
