Prince Harry is reported to have told friends that he feels like a “spare” in the United States.
Pals of the Duke of Sussex have reportedly said he feels that he has lost his way and even feels overshadowed by his wife, Meghan Markle, in public.
A source said to be close to the couple told The Sun Harry is feeling increasingly isolated in California and has been reconnecting with old friends in Britain.
They added: “The Colombia trip also really highlighted how Meghan is comfortable stepping into the spotlight, while Harry cuts a very sulky, unhappy figure in the background.”
The unnamed source claimed Harry wants to find a way back to royal life in Britain and is seeking the advice of old pals and associates.
These claims come after the Mail on Sunday printed further claims that the Duke has reportedly been consulting former aides he trusts in the UK after tiring of the Hollywood representatives he and Meghan hire.
The speculation about the Duke’s future path comes after the Prince of Wales and Harry both attended the funeral of their mother’s brother-in-law, Lord Robert Fellowes.
Harry flew from the US to join William at the service at St Mary’s Church in Snettisham, Norfolk, on Thursday, according to The Sun.
The same publication said the brothers made a discreet appearance and sat apart at the back of the church. A local resident said William and Harry kept their distance and did not speak to each other.
Harry and Meghan moved to the US in 2020 after they stepped down from royal duties. The two princes did not meet when Harry spent time with King Charles at Clarence House after news of his cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
Tensions have simmered since the Sussexes stepped down as working royals and Harry published his memoir Spare, in which he accuses William of pushing him into a dog bowl in a row over Meghan. It was also claimed William teased Harry about his panic attacks.
Further tensions between the royal brothers can be traced back to the early period of Harry’s relationship with Meghan, when his then fiancee had a falling-out with the Princess of Wales in the run-up to their wedding.
Royal expert Angela Levin claimed Harry has cut an unhappy figure lately and appeared to be “pushed out of the way” during the Sussexes’ tour of Colombia in August.
She told The Sun: “I was completely and utterly astonished to learn Harry is trying to call in his old friends to help him get back within his own family.”
Claims about Harry’s relationship would appear to run against his praise for Meghan, who he credits with drawing him out of a world he was stuck in.
The Duke told Dr Gabor Maté, a trauma, addiction, stress and childhood development expert, in March: “I was stuck in this world, and she was from a different world and helped draw me out of that. But none of the elements of my life now would have been possible without me seeing it for myself.”
Harry added: “My partner is an exceptional human being and I am eternally grateful for the wisdom and the space that she’s been able to give to me.”
Meghan and Harry were also pictured dancing together and exhibiting public displays of affection on their visit to Colombia, where they spoke to young people about the impact of social media and discussed internet safety.
