Prince Harry’s long-promised fresh start in California is reportedly losing steam — and insiders say the money that once flowed freely is starting to dry up.
Sources close to the 41-year-old royal claim life in the U.S. hasn’t turned into the lucrative second act Harry envisioned after leaving the U.K. nearly six years ago. Big deals are scarce, frustration is growing, and the prince is said to be stuck reliving the past instead of building a future.
After pulling in a reported $27 million from his explosive memoir Spare, insiders say that windfall is shrinking fast. Between an estimated $2 million to $3 million a year in security costs, a $10 million mortgage, and the price of staff and upkeep, expenses are reportedly outpacing income.
And while his wife, Meghan Markle, is pushing forward with her lifestyle brand As Ever, Harry’s professional path looks increasingly unclear.
“He’s not really doing anything in America,” one source claimed. “It seems he’s still very wrapped up in the past.”
Hollywood doors that once seemed wide open are now said to be closing. Several Netflix projects failed to gain traction, including Harry’s polo-focused documentary series, which lasted just one season. Insiders say that slump has earned him an unflattering new label behind the scenes: a “glorified house husband.”
For now, Harry is reportedly leaning on speaking engagements to help pay the bills — but even that income is described as unreliable.
“There have been rumors that Harry is starting a business,” the source added, “but he and Meghan don’t have the best track record. He’s really great at service. Look at the success of Invictus. He should probably stick with that.”
The couple’s charitable venture hasn’t been immune to cutbacks either. Archewell — now operating as Archewell Philanthropies — has reportedly downsized significantly, laying off three staffers, roughly 60 percent of its team. Executive director James Holt, who worked with the couple dating back to their royal days, recently stepped away, while other leadership roles have been reduced to part-time.
According to insiders, Harry and Meghan have even debated the charity’s future amid ongoing funding struggles.
“The big question was whether Archewell would close or be taken over,” a source said. “They were looking for a fiscal sponsor to take on costs. It’s all smoke and mirrors.”
Meanwhile, Harry remains estranged from his brother, Prince William, and sister-in-law Kate Middleton, though relations with his father, King Charles, have reportedly improved somewhat.
Friends back in Britain? Those connections appear to have faded long ago.
“I don’t think they leave the house much,” one insider said. “Meghan does sometimes, but not so much Harry.”
The couple now spend most of their time focused on their children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, who attend local schools in their California community.
Not everyone nearby is impressed.
Local resident Gail Pollard said Harry arrived with high hopes — and quickly disappointed. “He probably came here with a lot of gusto, but a lot of it fell flat,” she said. “I’d like to see him go back to England. That’s the feeling around here. They’re not sincere. It’s all about fame and fortune.”
For a prince who once promised reinvention, Hollywood may be proving far less forgiving than expected.
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