Even royal status seems not to protect from the fickle nature of Hollywood’s allure. This is what Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are currently experiencing, says Paul Burrell, Princess Diana’s former butler. They have seen a significant reduction in their social engagements within the glamorous circles of California, far from the UK’s royal ceremonies. Their list of close acquaintances is notably shrinking.
As Burrell observed, the couple’s social dynamics have changed significantly. “Harry and Meghan’s circle is getting smaller and smaller,” he stated in a recent interview. This reduction is exemplified by the reluctance of well-known personalities like Oprah Winfrey to maintain their previously close relationships with the Sussexes. Additionally, celebrities such as George and Amal Clooney, Katy Perry, and Orlando Bloom have reportedly declined invitations from Harry and Meghan, indicating a wider disconnection from the couple.
The dip in the pair’s popularity amongst celebrities points to a deeper issue. “Back in the day, the A-listers were riding on the moment — Harry and Meghan were the most popular couple in the country at one time, when they got married, but there’s since been a decline,” Burrell pointed out. Hollywood’s fleeting loyalties have seemingly moved on from the Sussexes, who were once celebrated as a refreshing and defiant presence in royal circles.
The couple’s move to California was seen as a fresh start, a chance to reshape their public identities outside the strict rules of royal life. Meghan, who has Hollywood connections and friendships with celebrities like Priyanka Chopra and Serena Williams, seemed especially ready for this transition. However, keeping relationships in an environment known for its fleeting connections has proven challenging.
Even though Prince Harry has embraced life in America — marked by a formal renouncement of his British residency — he is reportedly still drawn to the UK. Royal commentator Tom Quinn suggests that Prince Harry’s efforts to establish a permanent residence in the UK are not just about logistics but about reconnecting with a part of himself that remains rooted across the Atlantic. “Harry is determined to find his own permanent home in the UK,” Quinn stated, indicating possible efforts to reconcile with estranged family members.
Prince Harry’s task is further complicated by personal disagreements. Quinn reports that friends from his past are hesitant to visit him in the U.S., put off by strains with Meghan.
As these changes occur, the Sussexes continue to navigate the pressures of their public roles. Their interactions with celebrities represent not just shifts in social structures, but the intricate act of maintaining public approval while dealing with their private lives.