The allure of Hollywood, as ephemeral as the fame it bestows, seems to spare no one, not even royalty. According to Paul Burrell, former butler to Princess Diana, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are experiencing a notable decline in their social engagements within the glamorous confines of California. Far removed from the regal ceremonies of the UK, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex find their list of close acquaintances dwindling.
Burrell’s observations shed light on a significant shift in the couple’s social dynamics. “Harry and Meghan’s circle is getting smaller and smaller,” he remarked in a recent interview. This contraction is highlighted by the reticence of high-profile figures like Oprah Winfrey to maintain their previously close ties with the Sussexes. Furthermore, stars such as George and Amal Clooney, along with Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, have reportedly declined invitations from the royal pair, signaling a broader disengagement from the couple.
The decline in celebrity popularity reflects a deeper problem. “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 noted. Hollywood’s fleeting loyalties seem to have moved past the Sussexes, once heralded as a fresh and rebellious force in royal circles.
Their relocation to California was envisioned as a new beginning, an opportunity to redefine their public personas outside the stringent protocols of royal life. Meghan, with roots in Hollywood and friendships with stars like Priyanka Chopra and Serena Williams, seemed particularly well-suited for this transition. Yet, the challenge of sustaining relationships in an environment known for its transient connections has proven difficult.
Despite his embrace of American life—marked by a formal renouncement of his British residency—Harry is reportedly drawn back to the UK. Royal commentator Tom Quinn suggests that Harry’s endeavor to set up a permanent home in the UK is not just about logistics but about reconnecting with a part of his identity that remains anchored across the Atlantic. “Harry is determined to find his own permanent home in the UK,” Quinn said, highlighting potential efforts to reconcile with estranged family members.
Harry’s challenge is compounded by personal rifts. According to Quinn, friends from Harry’s past are reluctant to visit the U.S., deterred by tensions with Meghan.
Amidst these shifting sands, the Sussexes continue to grapple with the pressures of their public roles. Their interactions with celebrities reflect not just social changes but the delicate balance of maintaining public favor while managing personal realities.
