Prince Harry is said to be struggling with life in Hollywood, while his wife Meghan Markle is thriving.
Royal author Christopher Andersen told Us Weekly in an article published Tuesday that the Duke of Sussex is “somewhat anxious” about living in the spotlight.
“He suffers from severe social anxiety,” Anderson claimed, noting that “Meghan is more accepting of that lifestyle.”
Prince Harry, 41, is still grappling with the challenge of balancing his new life in California with his old life in Britain, where estranged members of the royal family live.
“Does it hurt that Prince Harry is clearly excluded from royal family gatherings like Christmas at Sandringham? Of course it is,” Anderson quipped.
Anderson said she believes Prince Harry is “happy” living in the luxury estate of Montecito, California, but is saddened that the couple’s children – Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, are growing up outside of royal life.
“Neither he nor his children share a royal heritage,” Anderson noted, adding that Prince Harry must have regrets.
However, sources told the outlet that Prince Harry is happy to be away from the British tabloids.
“Harry is very happy in his private life,” the source claimed. “Despite his upbringing (as a royal), he was never comfortable in that environment. He feels more like himself here.”
Sources explained that the author of “The Spare” did not enjoy the strict royal life.
“He had such a crazy schedule that he couldn’t go out or have a private life because he was coming back through the palace gates,” the source said.
However, Anderson argued that Prince Harry thrived under the monarchy’s strict rules.
“People tend to forget that at heart Harry is an Army officer,” Anderson said. “He values size, honor and duty all of which are missing from his life in Montecito.”
The loss of his honorary military title after stepping down from royal duties in 2020 was particularly “heartbreaking” for Prince Harry, who served in the British military for 10 years.
“It was very difficult because the military was such a big part of his life,” the source said.
The Invictus Games therefore provided Harry with a way to “stay connected to that world.”
The Invictus Games “was a lifeline for him,” Anderson said.
While Markle, 44, is busy building her lifestyle and media empire, Prince Harry is said to be leaning into his duties as a father.
Royal historian Marlene Koenig said: “Although Prince Harry does not have a regular job, he does spend time with his young children and is a hands-on father.” “Meghan is a breadwinner.”
Prince Harry has expressed heartbreak at the thought of his children not growing up knowing his family after the Sussexes lost their battle for Britain to ensure their safety while in the city.
“I’m going to miss[my children]well, everything,” he told the BBC last spring. “I love my country. I always have. And I think it’s really sad that I won’t be able to show it to my children.”
Fortunately, Harry was awarded a victory this month when the Royal Family and VIP Executive Committee determined that Harry and his family met the criteria for state protection.
Prince Harry is said to remain in California permanently, but plans to visit his family across the pond more often.
“Prince Harry has always said the door remains open to some kind of relationship with the royal family,” Andersen said. “Meghan is focused on her life in Montecito, but has hopes that she will eventually be able to split her time between California and the UK.”
