Prince Harry Struggles to Define Role Five Years After Royal Exit

Prince Harry's public profile in 2025 has significantly diminished compared to previous years, with his public engagements dropping from 201 in 2020 to just 17 days devoted to charitable work this year, leading to perceptions of an identity crisis and a lack of clear direction. Royal historians and commentators note that while Harry is determined to build a new life in the U.S., he has struggled to find financial success and a clear role as the family's breadwinner, with many of the family's income-generating efforts falling to Meghan Markle, who continues to expand her lifestyle brand and media projects. Harry has attempted various ventures including his memoir "Spare," a Netflix series, and working with a tech startup, but these have not yielded the level of success needed to solidify his new path outside royal duties. Meanwhile, tensions between Prince Harry and his brother Prince William remain high, largely due to Harry's public criticisms and the fallout from his memoir, resulting in a reportedly irreparable rift and William's focus on his own family and royal responsibilities. Experts describe Harry's situation as one of frustration stemming from lost military honors and family relationships, with his life now drastically different from his royal past and marked by ongoing struggles to redefine his identity and role. Despite Harry expressing a desire for family reconciliation, royal insiders suggest that William is choosing to move forward without engaging with Harry's actions or public drama.