Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are navigating a complex landscape as they attempt to carve out a new life in the United States.
Since their move to California in the summer of 2020, the couple has found themselves increasingly distanced from the British royal family.
This growing divide was starkly illustrated recently when they were notably absent from the wedding of Hugh Grosvenor, the 7th Duke of Westminster, to Olivia Henson at Chester Cathedral.
Despite Harry’s close ties to the Duke, he opted not to attend, reportedly to avoid potential awkward encounters with his estranged relatives.
The couple’s choices have raised eyebrows, especially as they continue to seek high-profile appearances in the U.S. War commentator Richard Fitzwilliams shared insights on this dilemma in an exclusive interview with the Mirror.
He emphasized that Harry and Meghan are eager to be part of events that elevate their status without putting them in the center of attention.
High-profile gatherings like the Met Gala and the Oscars are on their radar, as these venues could help bolster their image as A-list celebrities.
Yet, their aspirations appear to clash with reality.
Despite making Time magazine’s top 100 list in 2021, they missed significant events, including Barack Obama’s lavish birthday bash.
Fitzwilliams pointed out this contradiction, questioning why they seem to drift away from prestigious platforms and instead find themselves featured in tabloids like the National Enquirer or Heat magazine.
This shift has led to criticisms of their work ethic, with figures like Bill Simmons from Spotify labeling them as slackers.
The couple’s absence from the Duke of Westminster’s wedding is particularly telling.
Fitzwilliams noted that Meghan’s presence could have ignited a media frenzy, especially since she hasn’t returned to Britain since Queen Elizabeth‘s funeral.
Such scrutiny highlights the challenges they face in maintaining public relevance and visibility, especially when stepping outside the traditional royal spotlight.
Despite their attempts to redefine their roles, Harry and Meghan continue to deal with the repercussions of their royal exit.
Their ventures into entertainment, including partnerships with Netflix and Spotify, have not yielded the expected success.
With only 13 episodes produced between the two platforms, critics argue that their output falls short of what was anticipated, further impacting their reputation.
As they strive to establish themselves as influential figures beyond the monarchy, the couple finds themselves walking a tightrope.
They must navigate the tricky balance of participating in high-profile events while avoiding excessive media attention.
Their recent absence from key social gatherings raises pressing questions about their future trajectory and whether they can secure a place among the American elite.
