Biographer Phil Dampier, author of “Royally Suited: Harry and Meghan In Their Own Words,” suggested that Prince Harry was struggling to find meaning in his life after stepping back from royal duties.

“Harry sometimes feels like a spare part, and he often looks unhappy when he’s out with Markle at events in California. I think he has reached a point where he wants more for himself. He’s turned 40 and must be asking himself what the future holds,” Dampier said.

Dampier and other experts suggested that Prince Harry’s solo trips represent an attempt to forge a new path, independent of his past as a senior royal and his marriage.

In addition to his public engagements, Prince Harry has reportedly been reconnecting with old friends ahead of his visit to the UK and a lads-only weekend getaway for his upcoming birthday. “I’m sure he’s lacking some mates he can go out with for a beer and truly relax,” Dampier said.

“The more he does things on his own and carves out some new projects, the more likely it is he can heal himself and eventually some of the divisions with his family, but it’s going to be a long road,” the royal expert continued.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams noted that while Prince Harry has been involved in causes such as the Invictus Games, WellChild, and Sentebale, these were initiatives he had taken on before his marriage to Markle.

Now, his solo appearances in New York and London seemed like an effort to raise his personal profile and explore new roles. Royal expert Tom Bower remarked that these repeated solo events showed a significant shift in Prince Harry’s lifestyle and strategy.

As Prince Harry continues to attend public events alone, rumors swirled about his future intentions. Some speculated that he might be considering spending more time in the UK or even taking on royal duties again.

However, Fitzwilliams confirmed, “These are undoubtedly exaggerated, but they highlight his increasingly awkward situation. He has a deep rift with his family. His New York appearances may give him a brief boost.”

The news of Prince Harry’s solo trips quickly ignited discourse among social media users, many of whom debated the state of his relationship with Meghan Markle.

“The first real sign that his marriage is coming apart as she would never have missed the opportunity to party with Costner, etc. She would have crawled there, but used it as a power battle and lost,” one person wrote. Another person commented in part, “And now, the end is near and Harry faces the final divorce.”

Another person typed, “He does alright when he’s by himself. He certainly looks much happier. There’s really no reason for Meghan to tag along to every event. They should keep their projects separate in the future.”

A fourth social media user added, “I think it’s best Harry does these events by himself. He appears to be much happier and relaxed when Meghan is not there, and people genuinely seem happy to see the old Harry.”