Prince Harry seeks new route after failing to find purpose in Montecito | Royal | News

With Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Netflix deal reportedly toast – what will the couple do next? In the five years since quitting the royal fold, they’ve tried podcasting, documentary making, writing a memoir, and influencing, but nothing appears to have chimed with the public.

The only time people have tuned in or feigned interest is when they’ve dished the dirt on the Royal Family, with millions tuning in to watch their infamous Oprah interview, then their tell-all documentary and finally Harry’s bombshell memoir. So who really are they when they’re not throwing stones at Palace windows?

It’s something Harry has been trying to grapple with, having failed to make waves with his Invictus Games and Polo documentaries, and throwing himself instead into the one thing he knows he can do: support charities.

The King’s son knows that they’ve reached the end of the road with hurling attacks at his family, and can’t afford to release a second memoir or speak out again if he is serious about reconciliation.

Meghan seems happy enough to pursue the influencer route, selling wine and making money off her outfits, but for someone who’s been raised to do good, Harry isn’t finding settling into Montecito life quite so easy.

Over the coming months, we’re sure to see the Duke do more of the work he knows and loves, working with causes he cares deeply about. It may not pay the bills, but it will help him find a purpose that he’s so sorely missing.

I remember all too well that feeling of relief when breaking up for the school holidays each year. Another busy year over, no more exams, homework or absorbing large amounts of information in a stuffy classroom all day – just the chance to put my feet up and switch off for the next six weeks.

That’s how I imagine the King and Queen must be feeling, having started the summer slowdown after what has been a hectic royal schedule over the past few months.

From a one-night stay in Canada to hosting the Macrons at Windsor, the senior royals have kept an impressive diary of engagements over the past few months.

Charles still undergoes regular cancer treatment, but even a health blip in March couldn’t slow him down. The couple will soon embark on the annual pilgrimage north of the border, and are expected to head to the Castle of Mey, located in Caithness on the North coast of Scotland, ahead of the Mey Highland Games next weekend. They are set to spend about a week there before travelling to Balmoral.

The workaholic King will continue to work from Scotland, reading diplomatic papers in the famous “red boxes” delivered daily. And though he’ll be free from public duties and meet and greets, he’s likely to hold the odd audience and could interrupt his break if there is a pressing event.

Last year, he headed to Southport after the horror stabbings and social unrest, and this summer, he is expected to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day on August 15.

The King will have time to unwind until the diary gets back into full swing, with a state visit from Donald Trump providing a sharp return to normality.

In the meantime, however, Charles is expected to enjoy long walks on the 50-acre estate, host family gatherings and visitors, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, while the Queen will no doubt be looking forward to curling up with many a good book.

Let’s hope they can enjoy a well-earned break and reflect on how successful the first part of the year has been.

I’ve spoken a lot about the monarchy’s soft power and especially the importance of royal dressing, where decisions are made about what messages the chosen designer, colour or pattern can quietly convey.

During the recent Macron state visit, the Princess of Wales wore a dress from French fashion house Givenchy and this year we’ve seen the King use a number of symbols, such as wearing a red tie and planting a maple tree, to show his support for Canada.

Last week, I went to watch a play dedicated to showcasing the power behind the royal wardrobe, By Royal Appointment.

Writer Daisy Goodwin charts key moments of Queen Elizabeth’s reign through her fashion, including the time she dressed in the colours of the EU flag after the Brexit referendum and her infamous bright orange coat. With witty one-liners sprinkled throughout the show, it was the perfect homage to the late Queen – even if there were a few historical inaccuracies.

It was surprisingly moving and reminded me that there are no coincidences in sartorial decisions.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are succeeding in making the Royal Family more relatable through their savvy social media approach.

Last year, they introduced videos as a new way of storytelling, giving the public a rare glimpse into family life. This has continued into this year, as instead of simply sharing a new photo of their children to mark their birthdays, we’re getting a behind-the-scenes film as well.

It started with Prince Louis’ birthday in April, and, last Tuesday, an adorable video showcasing the close sibling bond between the Wales children was released to mark Prince George’s special day. Smiling, laughing and acting as all children should, the new approach helps to highlight that at home, the Royal Family are normal people too.

Best of luck to the Lionesses, who face old rivals Spain in the Euro 2025 final this evening. At 5pm they will attempt to retain their title as champions of Europe, in a repeat of the FIFA Women’s World Cup final in Australia in 2023.

England will be seeking revenge on the Spanish squad, after they secured victory 1-0 in the crunch match.

But this time, they will have their lucky charm cheering for them in the stands, the Prince of Wales. William was there for their 2022 triumph and will be hoping to see them lift the trophy once again.