Prince Harry ‘in crisis as he’s stuck in California’ amid claim Meghan Markle ‘hasn’t got the status she craves’

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to the US in 2020

Prince Harry is reportedly facing a personal crisis while living in California, struggling to balance his royal identity with the high-profile celebrity lifestyle that his wife, Meghan Markle, is said to be chasing.
Prince Harry is reportedly ‘in crisis’ and ‘stuck’ in California, a royal expert has claimed (Credit: Cover Images)

Where does Prince Harry live in California?

Prince Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, have lived in a lavish multi-million dollar mansion in Montecito, California, since stepping down as senior working royals in 2020.

The spacious estate offers the couple and their children – Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, – privacy and luxury in a star-studded neighbourhood that’s also home to Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres and other A-listers.

Harry has previously spoken positively about life in California.

He’s stuck in California clinging on to his royal status, as is she.

“I very much enjoy living here and bringing my kids up here. It’s a part of my life that I never thought I was going to live,” he said during the New York Times DealBook Online Summit last year. “It’s the life that my mum wanted for me. I’m able to do things with my kids I undoubtedly wouldn’t be able to do in the UK. That is a fantastic opportunity and I’m hugely grateful for that.”

But despite these public affirmations, royal author Tom Bower painted a different picture in his upcoming book.

Speaking to The Mirror, Tom claimed that behind closed doors, Harry is “clinging on to his royal status” while Meghan continues to push for a “billionaire celebrity” lifestyle.
Prince Harry has been married to Meghan Markle since 2018 (Credit: SplashNews)

Are Harry and Meghan still happy together?

In recent months, Harry and Meghan have gushed over each other and their marriage in interviews.

But, according to Tom, even though the couple is united by their shared ambitions, cracks may be forming as their goals diverge.

“They have a crisis,” Tom wrote. “Meghan wants to be a billionaire celebrity and Harry doesn’t understand that world, other than [understanding that] Meghan wants to be famous. She hasn’t got the status she craves. She hasn’t got the pulling power. He’s stuck in California clinging on to his royal status, as is she.”

He added that Harry is thinking about reconciliation with the royal family – especially his father, King Charles, and brother, Prince William. But Tom insists this is “totally unrealistic”.

“There is zero chance of reconciliation because there is irreconcilable anger on the part of William and Kate,” he claimed.

Reports also suggest that Harry’s relationship with the royal family has become even more “distant”. Despite his visits to the UK, he has allegedly not met with the king, even during Charles’ recent hospitalisation.
Harry has been attempting to reconnect with his father (Credit: Cover Images)

Meghan Markle wants ‘the security of finance and status’

Tom went on to claim the couple is also feeling the pressure in Hollywood, where Meghan’s efforts to relaunch herself as a lifestyle mogul have had mixed results.

“She worked phenomenally hard, struggled hard, and was constantly humiliated,” Tom continued. “She wants the security of finance and status.”

But according to the author, Meghan’s “pulling power” still doesn’t match her ambitions. Harry is unfamiliar with financial instability and celebrity hustle, and doesn’t fully understand her world, according to Tom.

Meanwhile, sources close to Harry allege he has made efforts to rebuild family ties – including calls and letters to his father – but has reportedly received no response.

With the king reportedly keeping his distance to avoid being dragged into Harry’s ongoing security disputes, tensions remain high.

Royal Insider has contacted reps for Harry and Meghan for comment.