Despite leaving Britain six years ago, insiders claim the Duke of Sussex remains emotionally pulled between his royal upbringing and the life he has created in America.

A New Life in California

The 41-year-old prince and his wife Meghan Markle, 44, stepped back from their official royal roles in 2020 and relocated to the former actress’s home state of California with their two children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four.

Since then, the Sussexes have settled into the celebrity enclave of Montecito, earning income through major Netflix deals, high-profile speaking engagements, and Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever.

Harry’s Lingering Regrets

However, royal experts say Harry remains emotionally divided and eager to reconnect with his wider family in Britain.

“On one level, Harry is content in California,” royal author Christopher Andersen told Us Weekly.

“On another, he regrets that neither he nor his children are sharing in their royal heritage.”

While Harry enjoys aspects of life in Los Angeles, Andersen suggested the constant attention that comes with Hollywood culture leaves him “somewhat uneasy,” especially when compared with his wife.

“He [Harry] has suffered from crippling social anxiety. Meghan embraces that life more,” Andersen said.

Meghan Embraces the Spotlight

Markle has recently returned to acting with a small role in the Amazon MGM comedy Close Personal Friends. She has also leaned further into social media and fronted her own lifestyle cooking series, With Love, Meghan.

Harry, by contrast, continues to focus on the Invictus Games and his charitable work through the couple’s Archewell Philanthropies, but is reportedly still searching for a clearer long-term role.

Different Roles, Different Priorities

“Harry’s life was far more structured in the UK. He had responsibilities and official events to attend,” royal historian Marlene Koenig explained.

“He’s spending time with his young children and being a hands-on dad. Meghan is the breadwinner.”

According to Andersen, Harry is particularly keen for Archie and Lilibet to understand their royal heritage and form closer bonds with their British relatives — especially their grandfather, King Charles III, who is currently battling an undisclosed form of cancer.

Security Concerns and Hopes for Reconnection

Archie and Lilibet last visited the UK during Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022, while Meghan’s most recent trip to Britain was for the late monarch’s funeral in September that year.

Harry has previously made clear that he will not bring his family back to the UK without taxpayer-funded security, which the Sussexes lost after stepping away from royal life.

That stance may soon soften, however, as the British Home Office has granted him a review of his police protection arrangements.

Looking Ahead

“Harry has always said the door remains open to some sort of relationship with the royal family,” Andersen said.

“Meghan’s focused on their life in Montecito, but he’s holding out hope that he can eventually divide his time between California and the UK.”