Prince Harry’s emotional state has drawn renewed attention following his recent BBC appearance after losing a legal case against the UK Home Office. Royal observers believe the Duke of Sussex is beginning to reflect more deeply on his life away from the monarchy, and may be questioning the choices that led him there.
Speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, veteran royal photographer Arthur Edwards offered a candid assessment of the prince’s demeanor. “He looked so sad in that, and so really down and not upbeat like he was normally,” Edwards said. “I feel somehow he’s probably having second thoughts. Maybe this is not such a great idea.”
Edwards, who has photographed the Royal Family for decades, noted that Harry seems to be drifting without a clear purpose. “He’s probably just still feeding the chickens,” he said. “I don’t know what he does every day. He probably takes the kids to the park and stuff like that. But he doesn’t seem to be having a real role now.”
Echoing Edwards’ sentiment, royal commentator Bronte Coy added, “I thought the same. That was only a month ago.” The pair agreed that the Duke’s appearance during the interview revealed a more solemn and reflective side of Harry, rarely seen in his public life.
Prince Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020, relocating to California with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their then-infant son, Prince Archie. The move—famously dubbed “Megxit”—sparked widespread media attention and public debate, particularly after the couple’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021.
During that interview, Harry and Meghan accused the Royal Family of racism, alleging that concerns had been raised over the skin tone of their then-unborn son. The couple also expressed frustration with the lack of support they felt from the monarchy and its institutions, citing these issues as key reasons for their departure.
Since moving to the U.S., the couple has welcomed a second child, daughter Princess Lilibet, and pursued various media ventures. Despite these efforts, questions continue to swirl around Prince Harry’s long-term role and identity, now that he is no longer an active member of the Royal Family.
The recent remarks by Edwards and Coy, along with Harry’s visible melancholy, have reignited speculation that life outside the royal fold may be more complicated—and less fulfilling—than the Duke had anticipated.