Prince Harry has struggled since stepping back from monarchy

Former Royal Spokesman Suggests Duke of Sussex Faces Strategic "Direction" Crisis

Recent analysis from former palace insiders suggests that Prince Harry is navigating a challenging period of professional and personal transition since his departure from official royal duties. In a television appearance on May 7, 2026, former royal press secretary Dickie Arbiter claimed that the Duke has struggled to establish a consistent "direction" outside of his primary work with the Invictus Games.

A Singular Professional Focus

According to Arbiter, the Duke’s public profile has become increasingly narrow, relying heavily on a biennial event rather than a sustained portfolio of work.

• The Invictus "Loop": The former spokesman argued that while the Invictus Games are a significant achievement, they do not provide a daily professional structure. "He hasn't really achieved anything [else],” Arbiter stated, noting that the major games only occur every two years.

• The Military Departure: The analysis touched on the Duke's decision to leave the British Army, which Arbiter described as one of the "biggest mistakes" of Harry's life. He suggested that the loss of the military’s disciplined structure has contributed to a perceived lack of purpose.

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The "Sadness" Narrative

The criticism follows observations from other royal authors, including Hugo Vickers, who recently noted that the Duke often appears "unhappy" in his new environment.   While Harry has frequently expressed satisfaction with his move to California, experts claim his "body language" often tells a different story, particularly regarding his estrangement from the Prince of Wales. 

"The Duke appears to be reverting to what he knows and enjoys—his previous life—but without the official framework to support it." — Royal Author Insight

Moving Toward the Summer

As the Duke prepares for the Invictus Games 2027 countdown events in Birmingham this summer, the pressure to define his long-term role remains high.   With the King having recently completed a high-profile visit to the U.S. without a meeting between father and son, the Duke is facing renewed questions about how he will balance his commercial ventures with his desire for a meaningful public legacy.