In 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, made the unprecedented decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the British royal family, a move dubbed “Megxit” by the British press. Five years later, as the couple navigates life in California, experts suggest they are still struggling to find their footing in their new environment. Helena Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, shared insights with Fox News Digital on April 1, 2025, highlighting Prince Harry’s deep regrets about the circumstances surrounding their departure. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex would not be human if they didn’t feel some level of regret about how they left the UK for a new life,” Chard stated. According to royal experts, Prince Harry, now 40, harbors three significant regrets: his connection to military culture, his familial bonds, and his once-close relationship with his sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales.

Regret 1: Losing the Military Culture

Prince Harry’s ten years of service in the British Army, including two tours in Afghanistan, were among the most defining periods of his life. As a captain in the Army Air Corps, he trained as an Apache helicopter pilot and took immense pride in his military roles. His service was not just a job but a cornerstone of his identity, providing structure, camaraderie, and a sense of purpose. Upon leaving the royal family, Harry was stripped of his honorary military titles, including Captain General of the Royal Marines, a role he inherited from his grandfather, Prince Philip. This loss severed his formal ties to the military community he cherished.

Royal commentator Helena Chard emphasized that the military was “a world where Harry thrived.” His departure from royal duties meant relinquishing the ability to engage with the armed forces in the same capacity, leaving a void that his new life in California has not fully filled. While Harry has continued to support veterans through initiatives like the Invictus Games, a Paralympic-style competition for wounded service members, the absence of his official military roles remains a significant source of regret. The structured environment of the military, coupled with the respect and brotherhood it fostered, is something Harry reportedly misses deeply, especially as he navigates the uncertainties of his post-royal life.

Regret 2: Fractured Family Ties

The decision to step away from the royal family has had profound implications for Harry’s relationships with his relatives, particularly his father, King Charles, and his brother, Prince William. The once-close bond between the brothers has been strained, exacerbated by public revelations in Harry’s memoir Spare and the couple’s 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview, where they discussed tensions within the royal family. These actions, while aimed at sharing their perspective, have contributed to a significant rift, leaving Harry isolated from the family he once leaned on for support.

Helena Chard noted that “serving the British royal family was all Harry ever knew.” The royal institution provided him with a sense of duty and belonging, which has been difficult to replicate in California. The physical distance—thousands of miles from London to Montecito—has compounded the emotional distance, making reconciliation challenging. King Charles and Prince William have continued their duties in the UK, while Harry and Meghan have pursued independent ventures, including media deals with Netflix and Spotify. However, these projects have not fully bridged the gap left by the loss of familial connection. For Harry, the erosion of these ties represents a profound regret, as he grapples with the consequences of prioritizing his immediate family’s independence over the broader royal network.

Regret 3: The Lost Bond with Kate Middleton

Perhaps one of Harry’s most poignant regrets is the deterioration of his relationship with Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales. Before Megxit, Harry shared a warm and playful bond with Kate, often described as the sister he never had. The trio—Harry, William, and Kate—were frequently seen together at royal engagements, their camaraderie evident in their shared laughter and mutual support. However, the fallout from Harry and Meghan’s departure, coupled with public criticisms of the royal family, has strained this relationship significantly.

The announcement of Kate’s cancer diagnosis in 2024 was a particularly sobering moment for Harry. Helena Chard suggested that this news likely intensified his regret, as it underscored the fragility of life and the importance of maintaining close relationships. Sources close to the royal family indicate that Harry was deeply affected by Kate’s health challenges, prompting reflection on the choices that led to their estrangement. While Harry and Meghan issued a public statement wishing Kate well, the lack of direct communication has highlighted the distance that now exists. For Harry, losing the special connection with Kate, who once played a significant role in his life, is a regret that weighs heavily, especially in light of her health struggles.

Life in California: Searching for Stability

Five years after Megxit, Harry and Meghan have built a life in Montecito, California, raising their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. They have pursued various projects, including their Archewell Foundation, which focuses on philanthropy, and high-profile media deals. However, royal experts argue that the couple has yet to establish a clear and consistent public role. Their Spotify podcast deal ended in 2023, and while their Netflix partnership has produced content like the Harry & Meghan docuseries, public reception has been mixed. Critics have pointed to a lack of focus in their endeavors, with some suggesting that the couple is still searching for a purpose that resonates as deeply as their royal roles once did.

Helena Chard observed that the Sussexes’ transition to California has been challenging, as they navigate a world far removed from the structure of the royal institution. The freedom they sought has come at the cost of stability, with the couple facing scrutiny over their decisions and public statements. For Harry, the contrast between his former life—rooted in tradition, duty, and community—and his current one has likely amplified his regrets. The lack of a clear path forward, coupled with the loss of military and familial connections, has left him reflecting on the trade-offs of his decision to leave.

Reflections on Megxit: A Human Perspective

At its core, Harry’s story is one of human complexity. His decision to prioritize his wife and children’s well-being over royal obligations was driven by a desire for autonomy and protection from the intense scrutiny of public life. Yet, as Helena Chard noted, it would be unnatural for Harry not to feel some regret about how events unfolded. The military culture that shaped him, the family ties that grounded him, and the bond with Kate that once brought joy are all elements of his past that continue to resonate.

The public nature of Harry’s regrets adds another layer of complexity. Unlike most individuals navigating personal transitions, Harry’s life has been under constant media scrutiny, with every decision dissected by commentators and the public alike. His openness about mental health struggles, family tensions, and the challenges of royal life has humanized him but also intensified the spotlight on his choices. As he moves forward, Harry’s ability to reconcile his regrets with his new life will likely depend on finding a balance between honoring his past and embracing his future.

Looking Ahead

As Prince Harry approaches his mid-40s, the question remains: how will he address these regrets? Reconciliation with his family, particularly with Prince William and Kate, could offer a path toward healing, though it will require mutual effort and understanding. Reconnecting with the military community, perhaps through expanded work with the Invictus Games or other veteran-focused initiatives, could help restore a sense of purpose. For now, Harry and Meghan continue to carve out their place in the world, balancing their public roles with their private lives as parents and partners.

The story of Megxit is not just about a prince leaving a palace; it is about the universal struggle to find belonging and purpose in the face of life-altering decisions. For Harry, the regrets of leaving behind military culture, family ties, and his bond with Kate are a reminder of the costs of change. Yet, they also reflect his resilience in forging a new path, one that, while imperfect, is uniquely his own.