Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have hoped for a fresh start when they stepped away from royal life, but according to one royal expert, the road ahead could be much rockier than anticipated.
Speaking to the Mirror, seasoned royal commentator Tom Bower issued a stark warning about the couple’s uncertain future, claiming the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are still struggling to define their identity in the U.S. — and time may be running out.
“If history is to be an indicator of their future together, the royal couple may face more bumps in the road,” Bower cautioned. “But they will do so united, for better or for worse.”
Despite widespread speculation about the strength of Harry and Meghan’s marriage, Bower made it clear: “I’d be hugely surprised if she didn’t stay loyal to Harry – it would be completely contrary to everything we’ve seen of her.”
Still, the expert warned that the pair’s biggest challenge isn’t their relationship—it’s their purpose. “It’s impossible to predict exactly what the future holds,” Bower admitted. “Other than Harry writing another book or Meghan writing about her experiences, they need to find their purpose.”
For Prince Harry in particular, the situation appears more pressing. “The real problem for them is what does Harry do?” Bower said bluntly. “He’s 40, hasn’t an official role, and he has lots of enemies.”
That sobering reality leaves the younger son of King Charles in a precarious position. Once known globally for his work with wounded veterans and mental health awareness, Harry is now increasingly defined by his distance from the Royal Family—and his lack of a clear path forward.
“Not being close to his family leaves a hole,” Bower explained, adding that Harry’s energy must now go toward “filling that in California, with Meghan.”
But with the couple’s public image taking hit after hit—from declining poll numbers to failed ventures—that mission may prove more difficult than they imagined. While Meghan is pursuing new branding opportunities and potential media projects, Harry’s personal future remains somewhat undefined.
Read More: King Charles Would Choose Sons Over the Crown in Unprecedented Royal Twist
According to Bower, Prince Harry’s priority should be focusing on his family and carving out a meaningful role for himself outside the monarchy. “He needs to enjoy his time with Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet,” Bower emphasized. “And he needs to find his purpose.”
That simple advice belies the enormous pressure the couple now faces. After the initial burst of enthusiasm surrounding their royal exit, public fascination has turned to scrutiny. Critics now ask: What have they actually done since leaving?
The Netflix docuseries, Harry’s explosive memoir Spare, and sporadic charity appearances have kept them in the headlines—but not always for the right reasons. With attention spans dwindling and their story growing stale, the Sussexes must now prove they are more than just royal exiles.
As Bower points out, Harry’s lack of an official role only deepens the identity crisis. Without the monarchy, without a formal job, and increasingly distant from his UK family, Harry risks drifting into irrelevance unless he makes bold new moves.
For now, their lives remain comfortable but uncertain. Their California mansion offers privacy, but the real challenge lies in shaping their long-term legacy—a legacy no longer defined by royal titles, but by personal achievement and public impact.
One thing is certain: If the Duke and Duchess of Sussex want to remain influential and respected figures, they’ll need to do more than talk about their past. They’ll need to build a future that stands on its own.
