Prince Harry’s Move to Hollywood: Is the “Spare” Curse Real?
Some royal experts are suggesting that Prince Harry’s troubles haven’t ended with his move to America. They believe the issues he faced as the “spare” to his brother, Prince William, are still affecting him, even in Hollywood.
Since leaving royal life six years ago, Harry seems to be struggling to find his place. His tell-all book in 2023 caused a further divide with his family back in England.
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle is building her own businesses in California. Some say she has a clearer plan for success than Harry.
One royal watcher, Kinsey Schofield, pointed out that Harry might be going from being second to Prince William to being second to Meghan’s ambitions. She noted that Hollywood values being relevant, having star power, and building a personal brand.
Schofield believes Meghan understands this better and has a stronger grasp of how things work in the entertainment world. She added that Harry needs to define a role for himself beyond just being “Prince Harry” or he might fade into the background.
According to Schofield, California was supposed to give Harry “freedom,” but he hasn’t been able to create his own identity besides complaining about the past.
“California seems to have left Harry unmoored,” Schofield said. “He is far from his family, his military community and the institutional structure that once gave him direction.”
Another observer noted that Harry went from fighting for privacy in a London court to attending the Sundance Film Festival with Meghan.
One source stated that Harry has accused the British media of making his wife’s life “absolute misery.”
While Harry has said his mother, Princess Diana, would have wanted him to start a new life in America, experts say it has come at a cost.
Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal duties in 2020, complaining about the press and a lack of support from the palace. They moved to California and shared their complaints in interviews and documentaries. Harry’s book, “Spare,” made things even worse with the royal family.
Royal experts say Harry and William are still not close, and Harry’s relationship with his father, King Charles III, is also reportedly strained.
Harry has defended his book, saying he was just telling his story.
Schofield said “Spare” continues to haunt Harry. “The irony is that by naming and monetizing the wound, he has reinforced it,” she said. “The grievance has become his brand.”
She also said that Meghan has clear intentions, while Harry seems to be just reacting to things. This difference is becoming more obvious as they take different paths.
Some deals Harry and Meghan made with big Hollywood companies have fallen apart, which raises questions about Harry’s future in California.
Richard Fitzwilliams, another royal expert, said Harry looked silly in Meghan’s cooking show, which might not be back for a third season. He added that Harry lost the charity he started in his mother’s name.
Another expert, Hilary Fordwich, believes Harry misses his friends in England. She wouldn’t be surprised if he went back for short visits each year. But she doesn’t see him going back to royal duties, especially since Prince William is against it.
Fordwich said that the shock value of the royal family’s secrets has faded. Harry is stuck in the past, and his titles aren’t enough to make his projects successful.
“I don’t see a major comeback for Harry — certainly not while he leans into a victim narrative,” Fordwich said.
She added that Meghan is focused on Hollywood, while Harry has become her “spare.” He has trouble with the spotlight, which makes him less marketable on his own.
An unnamed source told Page Six that Harry isn’t really doing anything in America and is still focused on the past.
However, some royal experts believe Harry can still turn things around if he goes back to what he knows best.
Fordwich said his best move would be to focus on Africa or the Invictus Games, where he seems most passionate.
Schofield said that Meghan knows how to create a story and build a brand, but Harry hasn’t shown he can do the same without talking about royal drama. People are tired of hearing about problems.
“If there’s a comeback, it will require reinvention — less victim narrative, more tangible purpose,” Schofield said. “Right now, the Sussex brand feels stalled, and Harry appears caught between royal identity and celebrity ambition.”
Schofield believes Harry is at a turning point. He can either keep looking for attention by causing controversy, or he can create an identity based on service, giving back, and being a true leader. This would require him to be humble and patient, which Hollywood doesn’t always reward. But it’s the only way for him to gain respect in the long run.
