Prince Harry’s recent arrival in California alongside Meghan Markle has left many speculating about the couple’s current state of mind and their relationship with the royal family.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were captured looking pensive as they landed back in Santa Barbara, with photos surfacing of their low-key return at 6 pm local time, which was 2 am in the UK.
The duo departed without much fanfare, following their attendance at just one major event over the weekend.
Reports suggest that Meghan and Harry departed from Frogmore Cottage, where they had spent the Jubilee weekend, at 1.30 pm to head to Farnborough Airport.
Speculation even arose in French media, hinting at potential tension between the couple and the royal family due to their swift departure.
The cost of their 10,000-mile journey is estimated to be a whopping £160,000, although the entity footing this bill remains undisclosed.
According to an insider cited by The Sun, the couple’s departure was unceremonious, with no grand gestures involved.
They opted out of participating in the Platinum Jubilee pageant, a celebration of British culture and heritage throughout Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign.
Observers noted Prince Harry‘s somber demeanor, with a royal commentator suggesting he is grappling with his altered status as a second-row royal.
Despite being sixth in line to the throne, Prince Harry found himself seated in the second row at St Paul’s Cathedral, positioned behind other royals such as the Earl and Countess of Wessex and Princess Eugenie.
Royal author Ingrid Seward remarked on the challenge Harry faces in adjusting to this new role, emphasizing his visible discontent during the cathedral service alongside Meghan.
Further insights into Harry’s evolving position within the royal hierarchy emerged when it took him 19 minutes to be seated after Prince William at the Thanksgiving service.
Royal expert Richard Kaye highlighted the symbolic significance of this seating arrangement, underscoring the public manifestation of Harry’s diminished standing within the royal family.
Amidst these developments, former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown raised concerns about Meghan and Harry’s prospects in Hollywood, suggesting they may be feeling apprehensive about their longevity in the entertainment industry.
Brown emphasized the stark contrast between being a member of the royal family and navigating the demands of the entertainment world, where success hinges on consistently delivering hits.
As the Sussexes navigate their transition from full-time royal duties to forging a path in Hollywood, the challenges of sustaining their relevance and success in the entertainment arena loom large.
With canceled deals and mounting pressures to produce compelling content, Meghan and Harry find themselves at a critical juncture, grappling with the complexities of their new reality beyond the confines of traditional royal obligations.
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