The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have returned to the UK after a six-year absence, and their attempts to carve out a new role have been marked by a series of awkward public appearances and well-publicised setbacks. From a walkabout in Nottingham to a recent interview in New York, the couple's efforts to redefine themselves have raised questions about their future direction.
A Return Marked by Awkwardness
Since arriving back in the UK this summer, the couple's attempts to settle on a role have been described as a "festival of awkwardness." In March, Netflix ended its partnership with Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever, less than a year after it replaced the pair's $100m mega-contract with a first-look deal. These failures were compounded by the previous death of Meghan's podcast and the couple's parting with Spotify.
During a recent walkabout in Nottingham under the auspices of a charity event, the couple worked the crowd like active-duty royals, despite being private citizens with no officially sanctioned public engagements. Meghan smiled excessively with her "hello, little people!" act, while Harry alternated between mild engagement and sending "category-five death stares" to the press.
Harry's Grief Science Venture
In a recent interview with GQ in New York, Harry, now 42, promoted a masterclass on "grief science" undertaken with Dr Mary-Frances O'Connor. When asked about the venture, Harry said, "I don't do it for myself," and added, "Trying to make an impact in the world, that is genuinely what energises me."
The interview also touched on Harry's relationship with his family, with the prince talking about the importance of knowing yourself and claiming he had "put in the work," positioning himself as more evolved than his father and brother.
A Need for Public Participation
The couple's need for the public to participate in their "grandiose delusions" has been noted, with some comparing the Nottingham walkabout to David Brent returning to the office after being fired. Emma Brockes, a Guardian columnist, suggests that Harry's "journey of self-awareness has a way to go yet."
The couple's future remains uncertain, with their recent ventures failing to gain traction and their public appearances generating more awkwardness than acclaim.
