In a recent exploration of Prince Harry’s life across the pond, veteran royal photographer Arthur Edwards has stirred up quite the conversation.
He has labeled the Duke of Sussex as a “big-time loser” in America, suggesting that Harry’s self-perception may not align with reality.
This commentary comes in the wake of Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, continuing to navigate their new lives away from royal duties, which they stepped back from in 2020.
Settling into Montecito, California, with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, Harry and Meghan have faced intense scrutiny since their departure from royal responsibilities.
As time passes, it appears the rift between Harry and his family in the UK only grows deeper.
Edwards, who has spent over four decades capturing the royal family through his lens, voiced his thoughts during an interview with The Sun, pointing out that Harry might be struggling to carve out his identity outside the royal spotlight.
Edwards remarked, “I think he thinks he’s bigger than he actually is,” highlighting that while Harry was once a prominent figure in Britain, he now seems to blend into the celebrity landscape of America.
The emotional ramifications of this estrangement stretch far beyond Harry himself, impacting his father, King Charles III, deeply.
Edwards noted the King’s heartache over not being able to see his grandchildren grow up alongside their royal cousins in the UK.
The absence of regular family connections is particularly poignant for King Charles.
Edwards expressed sadness over the fact that Archie and Lilibet are missing out on experiences that would have enriched their childhoods within the royal family.
“The little boy and girl should be playing with their cousins,” he lamented, emphasizing the missed opportunities for familial bonding.
While Harry has made occasional trips back to the UK, such as for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral and King Charles III’s coronation, Meghan has notably stayed behind.
Edwards speculated that her absence might be intentional, suggesting, “I also think Meghan doesn’t want to come here anymore.” This reluctance could hinder any potential reconciliation, leaving Harry to bridge the gap with his family alone.
Their life in America has been punctuated by high-profile interviews and various business endeavors, establishing them as global celebrities.
However, Edwards cautioned that their newfound fame in California doesn’t hold the same weight as their previous royal status.
This raises questions about whether Harry can ever fully reconcile with his family and what it would take to mend those broken ties.
Edwards believes that a significant gesture of apology is essential for Harry to regain the trust of his family.
He stated, “He’s going to have to make a big, big, big act of contrition, in my view.” The royal family’s hesitance to engage with Harry stems from fears that private conversations may be exposed in public forums, especially given Harry and Meghan’s past media revelations.
Despite the apparent chilliness in their relationships, Edwards remains hopeful that reconciliation isn’t entirely out of reach.
He referenced the biblical story of the prodigal son, suggesting that while the situation looks bleak now, history shows that healing is possible.
“Everything’s possible, but at the moment it doesn’t look likely,” he concluded.
For Prince Harry, the road to mending his relationship with his family seems fraught with challenges.
With public scrutiny weighing heavily on him and the complexities of his American lifestyle, the question remains: will he ever make the necessary apologies to bridge the divide?
The dynamics within the royal family continue to attract media attention, with no clear resolution in sight.
As the world watches this unfolding drama, opinions abound.
What do you think about Harry’s situation?
The future of the Sussexes remains uncertain, and only time will tell if reconciliation is on the horizon.
Until then, the royal family saga continues to captivate audiences everywhere.