Navigating life in the United States has proven to be a formidable challenge for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as highlighted by royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams.

Since their move to California in the summer of 2020, the couple has found themselves increasingly distanced from the British royal family.

This shift has left them on the sidelines of important events, both in the UK and abroad.

Their recent absence from the wedding of Hugh Grosvenor, the 7th Duke of Westminster, to Olivia Henson, only amplifies the questions surrounding their current status.

The wedding, held at Chester Cathedral, was a significant event that saw the Sussexes notably missing.

Despite Prince Harry’s close friendship with the Duke, he reportedly chose not to attend, likely to avoid any uncomfortable encounters with family members.

Fitzwilliams pointed out that this situation poses a considerable challenge for Harry and Meghan in the U.S.

The couple is striving to find comparable events where they can make an appearance without being the center of attention.

High-profile gatherings like the Met Gala and the Oscars could serve as ideal platforms for them, especially given their aspirations to be recognized as A-list celebrities.

However, their absence from major events raises eyebrows.

For instance, they missed Barack Obama’s lavish 60th birthday celebration in 2021, despite being named in Time magazine’s top 100 that same year.

Fitzwilliams noted that such occasions would have been perfect for the couple to showcase their relevance, yet they were overlooked.

The question arises: why are they no longer featured in prestigious circles?

Fitzwilliams suggests that the couple’s reluctance to engage in meaningful work has relegated them to gossip columns rather than respected publications.

Critics have labeled them as “lazy grifters,” a sentiment echoed by industry figures like Bill Simmons from Spotify.

The wedding of the Duke of Westminster presented another opportunity for Meghan to shine, but her absence was telling.

Fitzwilliams speculated that her presence would have ignited a media frenzy, especially since she hasn’t returned to Britain since Queen Elizabeth’s funeral.

This ongoing scrutiny reflects the intense public interest in their lives and decisions.

Despite their efforts to redefine their roles post-royalty, Harry and Meghan are still wrestling with the repercussions of their departure from royal duties.

Their struggle to maintain visibility in their new surroundings is evident, as they try to establish themselves outside the traditional royal spotlight.

The couple’s challenges extend beyond mere attendance at events.

Fitzwilliams emphasized that the lack of commitment to their Netflix deal and Spotify podcast has hindered their progress.

With only 13 episodes produced, Meghan’s opportunity seems to have slipped through their fingers, highlighting a failure to meet industry standards.

As they aim to carve out influential positions in America, the Sussexes must carefully balance their engagements with the inevitable media circus that follows them.

Their absence from significant gatherings raises critical questions about their future and their ability to secure a place among the American elite.

Ultimately, Harry and Meghan’s journey is marked by a series of missteps and missed opportunities.

As they navigate this new chapter, the couple must find a way to regain their footing and redefine their narrative in a landscape that is constantly shifting.