As Megxit marks its fifth anniversary, Prince Harry’s life in California paints a different picture from the confident, outgoing royal figure he once was. Whilst no longer the ‘spare’ to the British throne, many are wondering if Harry has become a ‘spare’ in his own marriage to Meghan Markle.
Harry’s isolation came in a telling moment when Harry learned of his father King Charles’ hospitalisation due to side effects from his cancer treatment from the news this Thursday just like the rest of the world. Living 5,000 miles away, he heard about the King’s medical situation from the media, not directly from his family.
King Charles, 76, required hospital observation after experiencing temporary side-effects from his ongoing cancer treatment. The King, who was diagnosed with cancer in February 2024, underwent a scheduled treatment that required a brief hospital stay.
His afternoon engagements were postponed, and he later resumed his work after returning to Clarence House. While the Palace confirmed it was a minor issue, the timing of the announcement highlighted how much distance has come between Harry and the family.
Harry’s relationship with his family has been strained and his relationship with his brother, Prince William, is especially tense, with reports claiming they rarely speak anymore. In 2023, Harry was reportedly granted only a brief meeting with his father after King Charles’ cancer diagnosis.
Harry’s life post-Megxit has largely been defined by his separation from royal duties and his transition into private life. However, it seems that, more than ever, Harry is becoming a ‘spare’ in his own marriage. While Meghan thrives in her solo projects, including her lifestyle brand As Ever, popular Netflix series and podcast ventures, Harry has mostly stayed out of the spotlight.
“First he was a spare to William, now he’s increasingly looking like a spare to Meghan – and it’s not a great look,” a source told The Sun.
The prince has become increasingly isolated since he left Britain nearly five years ago and doesn’t even speak to his cousin Princess Eugenie, who he was once really close to. Harry and Meghan had even bought an investment property in Portugal near the home Eugenie shares with her husband Jack, but it’s understood the friendship suffered after she was photographed last April with Piers Morgan — a strong critic of Harry and Meghan.
“A dim view was taken of this, as Piers has clashed with Meghan and Harry in the past,” a friend said. “Eugenie has been supportive of Harry and Meghan for years and was right there at the beginning of their relationship — but it has now soured.”
Living in their sprawling Montecito mansion, Harry’s social life is said to be much quieter than it used to be and insiders revealed lonely Harry rarely leaves the couple’s mansion. His friend group has shrunk, with one source noting that Harry’s only remaining friends are the husbands of Meghan’s friends. This isolation contrasts sharply with Harry’s former life, previously surrounded by a busy social circle and public commitments.
The couple’s professional paths have also begun to diverge more noticeably. In what’s been described as a “conscious business uncoupling,” Meghan has focused on her brand, while Harry’s professional life has taken a quieter turn. His role in their joint projects has taken a back seat, with Harry only appearing briefly in Meghan’s Netflix series With Love, Meghan.
In addition, it is understood that there are no plans for any more Netflix shows, with Harry either in front of or behind the camera, as the deal runs out.
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Harry’s position with BetterUp Inc., an online coaching company, seems to be one of the few remaining commitments he holds onto, although this is not a public-facing role. Meanwhile, Meghan’s projects, including her upcoming podcast, continue to gain attention.
Despite the growing distance between them, Harry remains a devoted father to his children, Archie and Lilibet. However, there are differing views between him and Meghan on how much their children should be in the public eye. While Harry, who values privacy, wants to keep their children out of the spotlight, Meghan has been more willing to use their children as part of her brand.
Harry’s life continues to evolve in ways he may not have expected, his role as a royal ‘spare’ has now shifted into a more passive role in his marriage, with Meghan taking charge of her career while Harry remains largely sidelined. While Meghan continues to push forward with her career, Harry seems to be lost in the background, isolated from both his family and his former royal life.
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