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Ever since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made the seismic decision to step back from their senior royal duties and move part-time to North America, there has been much speculation about whether Harry has any regrets. As the dust continues to settle on "Megxit" over a year later, it seems Harry may indeed be feeling remorse over at least one major choice in his past.
Harry and Meghan's unprecedented royal exit triggered shockwaves around the world. While they cited a desire for personal and financial freedom away from the constraints of royal life, their decision also strained Harry's relationship with his brother William and father Charles. Moving across the pond meant exchanging the support of his tight-knit family for an uncertain future in an unfamiliar country.
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Settling into their new lives in California, Harry and Meghan have secured lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify but also faced increasing criticism over their public comments. From allegations of bullying royal staff to bombshell interviews addressing their mental health struggles and Meghan's treatment by the British press, the couple's narratives have often clashed with the royal family's desire for a more private approach.
As tensions with his family simmered, reports emerged that Harry was struggling with regret over leaving his homeland and royal duties behind. An unnamed source told US Weekly that "Harry has found life outside the royal family very difficult" and has experienced "a lot of regret about leaving his old life behind in the U.K. and the royal infrastructure around him." The insider added that while Harry doesn't regret Meghan, "he does miss his family and feels slightly abandoned by them at times."
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Furthermore, Harry and Meghan's permanent exit was not necessarily planned to be so permanent. The couple had proposed a "half-in, half-out" role but the Queen declined this idea, forcing them to choose between being working royals or not. It's thought Harry may now be feeling buyer's remorse over giving up his royal position without more of a middle-ground option in place.
Complicating matters, the unpredictable political climate in America also presents challenges. As US citizens, Harry and Meghan are subject to policies from President Joe Biden's administration which could impact areas like security, taxes, and visa renewal that affect their long-term viability in the US. However, a leadership change bringing the Republican party back in power in 2024 could pose even greater difficulties depending on their platform.
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Former President Donald Trump was openly critical of Meghan in particular, describing her as "nasty" ahead of their royal wedding in 2018. With Trump hinting at another campaign, a potential second term could drastically shift immigration and national security policies in ways disadvantageous to the Sussexes. Between domestic challenges and global uncertainty, Harry may be regretting banking his family's future on permanently uprooting to North America.
Perhaps most significantly, Harry's regret seems to stem from missing the close bond he once shared with brother William in particular. While the brothers have experienced a rift since Harry's royal exit, both have committed to healing their relationship and honoring their late mother Diana's memory. Being oceans apart has likely only intensified Harry's feelings of loneliness and longing for the family ties he left behind in his pursuit of independence.
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As the 36-year-old enters a new decade, Harry appears to be reflecting more on the consequences of major choices in his past, from stepping away from royal life to relocating his young family abroad. While Harry does not appear to have regrets over marrying Meghan, it's clearly been a difficult transition outside the royal fold. With growing nostalgia for England and the family dynamics he once knew, Harry may be experiencing twinges of regret over sacrificing so much in his bid for freedom.
Going forward, any hopes of repairing family bonds will require open communication and compromise on all sides. The challenges will surely mount as well if Harry and Meghan fully relinquish their royal roles as rumored. But with time and honesty, there remains potential for reconciliation between the brothers and an easing of Harry's homesickness. Royal fans can only hope the family's rebuilding process continues in a spirit of forgiveness and mutual understanding.
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