Five Years After Megxit, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Struggle with ‘Unfulfilled Potential,’ Says Expert

Royal commentators are weighing in on Prince Harry’s journey since his departure from royal life, with some suggesting that without the backing of Buckingham Palace, the Duke of Sussex’s potential remains largely untapped. In a recent piece for News.com.au, royal expert Daniela Elser explored Harry’s role in the world of philanthropy, reflecting on his efforts since “Megxit” and questioning whether he has managed to establish himself as a global trailblazer.

Elser’s piece comes as the five-year anniversary of Harry and Meghan Markle’s exit from the royal family approaches. Reflecting on their journey, she wrote, “As the five-year anniversary of Megxit fast approaches (which is more than a tad mind-melting), the Sussexes, standing alone, have so far yet to really match magnitude-wise to anything they did before January 8, 2020.”

The expert went on to question Prince Harry’s standing in the philanthropic world, particularly compared to others attending major events like those happening in New York. “What is the chance of the duke being taken as an equal to those who are gathering in New York this week?” she asked.

While Harry and Meghan continue to attract significant global attention—especially during their recent visits to Nigeria and Colombia—Elser argued that the level of interest and media coverage has not been matched by their post-royal achievements. “When Harry and Meghan do a ‘royal’ tour, like their recent trips to Nigeria and Colombia, they attract shedloads of global attention,” she noted. “However, the level of coverage and interest in them is not equaled by their independent, post-HRH achievements.”

In Elser’s view, much of the discussion around Prince Harry centers on his “unfulfilled potential.” She acknowledged his dedication to important causes but pointed out the challenges he faces without the royal machinery behind him. “Harry is a man who cares and cares hard and whose dedication to making the world better is undeniable,” Elser said. “It’s just that shorn of his royal identity and amputated from the well-oiled palace machinery and support network, he has yet to really make an impression in his own right.”

Since stepping back from royal duties, Harry and Meghan have embarked on various philanthropic ventures, including launching their Archewell Foundation and signing deals with streaming platforms like Netflix and Spotify. However, critics like Elser believe that despite these efforts, the couple has yet to reach the same global impact they had while part of the royal family.

As the anniversary of their departure looms, questions remain about whether Harry can fully realize his potential outside the royal spotlight. For now, it seems the conversation will continue about the Duke’s evolving role in philanthropy and whether he can truly step out of the shadow of the monarchy.