Once upon a time, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were living the quintessential life of British royalty—welcomed into opulent palaces and adored by fans around the world.
Fast forward to today, and the couple’s status has shifted dramatically. Once celebrated as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, they now seem to occupy a more uncertain role within American society, particularly in the political sphere. In a rare instance of unity, both Democratic and Republican politicians have sent a clear message: Harry and Meghan are unlikely to receive a coveted invitation to the White House anytime soon.
Donald Trump has been particularly vocal on this topic. Far from offering Harry and Meghan a warm welcome, Trump has suggested that he would actively keep his distance. In fact, he has even hinted at concerns regarding Harry’s visa status, pointing to revelations from Harry’s memoir Spare, where the prince openly discusses past drug use. Trump commented, "I wouldn’t protect him; he betrayed the Queen, and that’s unforgivable." Trump’s remarks imply that, in his view, Harry should be prepared to face the consequences of his actions alone, especially if any details on his visa application prove problematic.
British politician Nigel Farage even questioned Trump about whether he would truly deport Harry if given the chance, to which Trump half-jokingly replied, “Oh, I don’t know—you just have to tell me.” Adding to the intrigue, the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation took action, attempting to gain access to Harry’s immigration files. Their concern was that he may not have fully disclosed his past substance use, which could theoretically affect his residency status in the U.S. However, immigration officials clarified that any drug-related confessions Harry made regarding his teenage years would not disqualify him. They also noted that admissions in a published book don’t provide sufficient grounds for revoking a visa.
Across America, however, few seem preoccupied with the specifics of Harry's residence or his political ambitions. Eric Trump encapsulated this sentiment, saying, “I don’t give a damn about Prince Harry, and I don’t think this country does either.” Eric dismissed any lingering controversy around Harry’s drug use, labeling him a “black sheep” and drawing attention to Meghan’s reportedly low popularity in both the U.K. and the U.S.
Their lack of standing within the American political elite is evident in their absence from prestigious state dinners and White House gatherings, events where they might once have imagined themselves mingling with influential figures. The couple’s hopes of basking in the American political spotlight appear increasingly out of reach. There was even an instance when Harry and Meghan reportedly wished to return to the U.S. on Air Force One following Queen Elizabeth’s funeral—a request that received little traction, reflecting the cool reception from the current administration.
But their challenges extend beyond politics. For instance, Harry’s Invictus Games—a charity event close to his heart—has seen little prioritization from U.S. political or military circles under the Trump administration, which has been focused on pressing global issues and budget constraints. To dedicate resources to a project spearheaded by a former prince now living in California is far from a top concern.
Despite Harry and Meghan’s attempts to carve out a meaningful role in American public life, they often find themselves reduced to celebrity gossip and occasional barbs from critics. Trading in a royal palace for a California mansion may have given them a taste of independence, but it hasn’t secured them a spot in Washington’s inner circle. For now, it seems they’ll have to content themselves with the sunshine and palm trees of California, as the glamour and influence of the White House remain a distant dream.
