Navigating life in the United States has proven to be quite the challenge for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as highlighted by royal expert insights.
Since their move to sunny California in the summer of 2020, the couple has increasingly distanced themselves from the British royal family.
This shift has left them on the sidelines of many significant events, both in the UK and abroad, stirring curiosity about their current standing.
The recent wedding of Hugh Grosvenor, the 7th Duke of Westminster, to Olivia Henson serves as a prime example of their estrangement.
Held at Chester Cathedral, this high-profile celebration was marked by the conspicuous absence of the Sussexes.
Despite Harry’s close friendship with the Duke, it appears he opted out of attending, likely to steer clear of any uncomfortable encounters with family members he has grown apart from.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams weighed in on the implications of such absences for Harry and Meghan.
In a candid interview with the Mirror, he pointed out that the couple faces a unique challenge in the U.S.—the need to participate in events that don’t center around them.
He mentioned prestigious gatherings like the Met Gala and the Oscars as potential platforms where their presence could enhance their celebrity status.
However, Fitzwilliams noted that their track record at such events has been less than stellar.
They missed out on Barack Obama’s star-studded 60th birthday bash in 2021, despite being included in Time magazine’s influential top 100 that same year.
The question arises: why have they seemingly fallen from grace?
Their appearances now seem relegated to tabloid gossip rather than high-profile accolades.
Critics have pointed fingers at their perceived lack of effort.
Bill Simmons from Spotify even labeled them as “lazy grifters,” suggesting that the couple’s reluctance to engage fully in their commitments has hindered their success.
Fitzwilliams echoed this sentiment, lamenting that their absence from significant gatherings signals a struggle to maintain relevance in their new environment.
The wedding of the Duke of Westminster could have sparked considerable media attention had Meghan attended.
Given that she hasn’t returned to Britain since the funeral of Queen Elizabeth, her presence would have undoubtedly stirred the pot.
The couple is acutely aware of the media frenzy that often surrounds their every move, which complicates their efforts to blend into the celebrity scene.
Despite their aspirations to redefine their public personas, Harry and Meghan are continually confronted with the realities of their royal departure.
The scrutiny they face seems relentless, making it difficult for them to carve out a new identity away from the royal spotlight.
Their journey is not just about finding a new place in the world; it’s about overcoming the shadows of their past.
Fitzwilliams suggested that if the couple had dedicated themselves to producing high-quality content for their Netflix deal, they might have found greater success.
Instead, the focus has often been on projects that revolve primarily around their own lives, which may not resonate with broader audiences.
The same criticism applies to their Spotify endeavors, where a mere 13 episodes fell short of expectations.
As they strive to establish themselves as key players in American society, Harry and Meghan must tread carefully.
Engaging with high-profile events while avoiding the accompanying media circus is no easy feat.
Their absence from crucial gatherings raises pressing questions about their future and their ability to secure a spot among the elite.
In the end, it’s clear that the Sussexes are at a crossroads.
Their journey is marked by challenges that extend beyond mere celebrity status.
