There is hope among certain individuals at the palace that when Prince Harry's marriage inevitably breaks down—or "breaks up," as one might better put it—he will have already established enough distance from Meghan to facilitate a more graceful exit. This, after all, seems to have been the primary goal from the beginning. However, it is quite astonishing that they believe this strategy will win over any fans.
Yet, I think there's another layer to this situation that hasn’t been fully explored. If Harry separates from Meghan, and she can be contained—which, historically, no one has managed to do—there's hope among palace insiders that he could handle solo engagements more effectively. This would allow him to distance himself further from her, paving the way for a dignified exit. The late Queen herself gave them a year to reassess their choices, hoping they would come to their senses and return to the fold. Nobody anticipated they would take the path they did, and while the door was initially left open for them, the relationship has deteriorated to such an extent that it seems irretrievable.
If there were to be a divorce, it would indeed allow Harry to extract himself from the situation more gracefully. He could then escape to Botswana to "tend" to elephants, presenting the image of a man who is reconnecting with nature.
It is remarkable that this strategy is being employed by a couple who once claimed they operated seamlessly together, like "salt and pepper." Given that Harry has chosen to sacrifice everything for Meghan, what do you think is happening in his world? Is he beginning to realize that perhaps his brother and former friends were right about her? Or does he genuinely believe she is destined to become a successful businesswoman?
I think he partly hopes she will achieve that success. Harry's personality is such that he rarely admits he’s wrong. However, he has attempted to reconnect with certain individuals, suggesting that, whether he acknowledges it or not, he is aware that marriages evolve over time. Some claim Harry is perfectly happy in California and has no desire to return, while others assert he feels miserable and longs for home. If we analyze both perspectives, it seems there are moments when Harry is content there—enjoying his freedom, indulging in leisure activities, and living a laid-back lifestyle.
Historically, Harry has never been a diligent worker. Prior to marrying Meghan, he had a charming, cheeky demeanor that often masked his lack of commitment. He was there for the spectacle but not necessarily for the substance. Whatever happens next, it's unlikely he will ever return to being a heavyweight in royal duties.
For the royal family and the British political landscape, it might actually be beneficial for him to play a less controversial role. Meghan, however, is more expendable, as Harry still carries the royal title.
The recent tour to Africa garnered little attention, which was surprising. It was clear that Harry intended to use the trip for public relations purposes, aiming to reclaim his former, carefree persona. One particular moment stood out: while engaging with a group in South Africa, Harry attempted to replicate a spontaneous interaction his father, King Charles, had with a New Zealand rugby team. The difference was that Charles was entirely unaware of the moment unfolding, making it genuine, whereas Harry seemed to orchestrate it.
This felt disingenuous to me. Harry appears to be adopting Meghan's approach of contrivance—trying to replicate what worked for others without understanding that authenticity is irreplaceable. Meghan has always been about appearances, and Harry has now taken a page from her book. He attempts to leverage past successful moments, believing they can yield the same results for him.
While it may work to some extent, many people see through this facade. It is not lost on me that the late Queen held firm to authenticity, allowing moments to develop organically. Harry's shift toward a more staged approach might resonate with some, but it ultimately diminishes public respect for him.
At 40, he is no longer the endearing young prince; his behavior is increasingly viewed as immature. As for Meghan, will we see more of her crass antics reminiscent of reality TV stars? It's almost unfair to compare her to Kim Kardashian, who, despite being a celebrity, engages in significant social issues.
Ultimately, what lies ahead for Meghan? Are we resigned to see her continue with attention-seeking stunts? She has become toxic in Hollywood, with few willing to associate with her unless they can gain something from the relationship. Recent conversations with industry insiders reveal that many find Meghan pretentious and difficult to work with. It is becoming increasingly clear that her efforts to thrive are failing, and while she may achieve some notoriety, genuine success remains elusive.
And what of King Charles? His concern about Harry returning with a “begging bowl” is genuine. Despite inheriting a fortune, it is evident that they are quickly depleting their resources. While some corporations may still want to collaborate with them, it’s nowhere near the level they once enjoyed with platforms like Netflix and Spotify. The days of easy financial gains are over, and both Harry and Meghan lack a strong work ethic.
Once William ascends to the throne, the idea of him supporting Harry and Meghan financially is laughable. Charles’s worries about his youngest son’s potential to request handouts are legitimate.
Interestingly, Harry did ask his father for financial assistance after leaving, receiving a substantial sum but being told it was a one-time deal. Charles has since refused further support and has limited communication with him. Any parent faced with a challenging child would grapple with the moral implications of financial aid, particularly given the circumstances.
Ultimately, as long as Harry and Meghan remain together, the royal family may feel compelled to provide a minimal allowance. However, the notion of subsidizing Meghan is increasingly unlikely, leaving Harry to fend for himself. It’s a precarious situation, and one can only wonder how it will unfold moving forward.
