Prince Harry harbors a longing for his former life in the United Kingdom and feels that his experience in America has not met his expectations, according to sources cited by celebrity media expert Dan Wakeford. Wakeford, founder of the newsletter Celebrity Intelligence, told Fox News Digital that the Duke of Sussex misses his U.K. family, friends, and his previous role.
While Archewell, the office of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has stated that such claims are "unfounded speculation" and declined to comment, multiple royal experts suggest that Harry misses aspects of his British life.
"Harry particularly doesn't love the life he has in America," Wakeford said. "He misses his family, his friends and his former existence in the U.K. Sources say he would be content to downsize and have a smaller life instead of living on such a grand scale, but I think that is more Meghan [Markle]'s [style]."
Despite the alleged dissatisfaction, Prince Harry recently reconnected with his father, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla. The meeting occurred at Highgrove House on July 10, following Harry's arrival in the U.K. for charity events. This gathering marked the first time the King had hosted his son and family in years, following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to step back as senior royals and move to California in 2020.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams commented that while Harry's marriage is happy, the issue lies in his lack of a defined role. "He has the Invictus Games, yes, but I do think he misses aspects of life in the U.K. and the friends he has kept there. He has charities he supports there, and his mother is buried there," Fitzwilliams stated. He added that the meeting with his father was a positive step.
Hilary Fordwich, another royal expert, observed Harry appearing happy and "in his element" while participating in a wheelchair rugby exhibition at an Invictus Games event in Birmingham. She suggested that meeting with his father likely reminded him of his former prominent life.
Wakeford also raised questions about the Sussexes' long-term financial strategy. "The headline numbers of $100 million from Netflix deals and $20 million for Spotify always obscured what the real figures were," he claimed, suggesting the Netflix deal was closer to $60 million and the Spotify deal was $5 million for an early exit. "That's a significant amount of money, but their costs are also extremely high, and they don't have a sustainable business model."
Prince Harry has publicly expressed a desire for reconciliation with his family while continuing to build a life in California. His 2023 memoir, "Spare," reportedly strained relationships further. In a 2025 interview, Harry stated, "I would love reconciliation with my family... there's no point in continuing to fight anymore."
He has also spoken about missing his friends and the impact his departure from royal duties has had on his social circle. "I miss my friends … I've lost a few friends in this process," he admitted in a 2022 Netflix series.
Broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard noted that Harry misses what he knows, including the status and sense of achievement his titles provided. "His royal connection is everything he knows and, I'm sure, what he pines for deep down," she said.
Friends have suggested that Harry's 40th birthday in 2024 was a period of reflection, with one source telling The Sunday Times that Harry felt isolated from his family and old friends in an environment where friendships differ from those forged in his youth.
Despite these sentiments, Harry has expressed happiness as a father and is committed to his work with the Invictus Games. However, finding a "meaningful role" for himself on the global stage in the U.S. remains a focus, according to royal editor Roya Nikkhah.