Prince Harry is facing growing criticism for what some royal experts call a “lack of purpose” and “aimlessness” in his post-royal life, with one commentator saying he appears to be merely “orbiting Meghan’s world.”
The Duke of Sussex, who once held global attention as a passionate advocate for mental health and veterans, has been accused of abandoning his previous sense of mission since stepping down from royal duties in 2020. Since then, he’s taken a noticeable backseat while his wife, Meghan Markle, continues launching headline-grabbing ventures.
Royal commentator Esther Krakue didn’t hold back, claiming Harry has seemingly shed his passion projects, leaving little behind except his royal title and a supportive role in Meghan’s career. Speaking to Radar Online, Krakue said bluntly: “If you think about it critically, what else does Harry have left?”
She cited his quiet resignation from Sentebale—the charity he co-founded to help HIV-positive children in Lesotho—which is now under investigation. Krakue noted, “He’s no longer a working royal, and while he still supports the Invictus Games, it’s an event that only happens every few years. His role has really diminished.”
In contrast, Meghan has taken major strides in the public eye. She’s launched her new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard, rebooted her podcast as Confessions of a Female Founder, and is reportedly filming a Netflix cooking and home-themed series. Meanwhile, Harry has made fewer solo moves, prompting questions about his personal direction.
“He’s just watching Meghan go from experiment to experiment,” Krakue continued, “dropping the kids off, supporting her from the sidelines — but where is the fire he used to have?”
The contrast became even more evident when Harry made a surprise trip to Shanghai — coinciding with King Charles’ significant appearance opening Canada’s 45th Parliament. Royal correspondent Bronte Coy remarked, “It was poor timing. King Charles gave a constitutionally important speech, and Harry’s appearance in China barely made international headlines. It didn’t cut through.”
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The optics have not gone unnoticed. As Meghan appears to flourish in her rebrand as a Hollywood-savvy entrepreneur, Harry’s public image has become increasingly passive — something royal watchers and insiders say could spell trouble for the once-vibrant prince.
An insider summed up the sentiment bluntly: “He blew up his old life, but hasn’t built a new one. Now he’s just orbiting Meghan’s world.”
That perspective is echoed by palace sources, one of whom reportedly told the outlet: “Harry without structure is Harry adrift. He needs a mission. He used to have one — serving veterans, helping youth. But now? The public doesn’t see that fire anymore. It’s just confusion.”
While Harry has stayed involved with the Invictus Games — his most enduring passion project — even that effort is viewed as underutilized in the eyes of critics. “It’s a brilliant initiative, but it only surfaces every couple of years. Where’s the day-to-day purpose?” one commentator asked.
Others argue that Harry’s true potential is being stifled by an identity crisis. No longer a full-time royal, and not quite a Hollywood player either, he seems caught in limbo — a man without a clear role in his own life story.
What’s clear is that public opinion is shifting. While Meghan is carving out her niche, Harry is being scrutinized for fading into the background. And in the court of public perception, the once beloved “spare” may soon find himself running out of royal goodwill — unless he finds a cause to truly call his own.
