Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the self-imposed royal outcasts, are reportedly grappling with an identity crisis as they navigate the ruthless Hollywood industry. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have had a tumultuous 2023, are said to be struggling to establish their purpose and identity, according to royal biographer Tom Bower.

Bower, in an interview with GB News, noted that the Sussexes appear to have dramatically withdrawn from public life, a move he attributes to their fear and uncertainty about their future. "The remarkable thing is that one never sees a happy family couple in California. They seem to have withdrawn dramatically. That, I think, is a symptom of their fear," Bower stated.

The couple's challenges have been numerous and public. Harry's memoir, Spare, became the fastest-selling nonfiction book in history early in the year. However, the book's content, which focused on personal family attacks and controversial claims, drew criticism. Harry's description of Taliban targets during his service in Afghanistan was seen as "bragging" about performing his duty.

The couple's relationship with the British monarchy has also been fraught. Meghan ignored King Charles III's historic coronation on May 6, and Harry's appearance at the event was marked by humiliation as he faced the people he had criticized in his book. A "near catastrophic car chase" in NYC on May 16 drew negative press attention due to its exaggerated claims. The couple's relationship with Spotify also ended in June due to low productivity standards and poor ratings for Meghan's podcast.

Bower concluded by posing the question, "In the end, it always comes down to their problem with their profile. What do they represent? What is their purpose and identity?" This sentiment was echoed by royal expert Kinsey Schofield, who told a publication, "I think at their core Harry and Meghan aren't very interesting. They don't want to share about themselves and being more relatable to the American public or the world. People are just over millionaires complaining about their 16 bathrooms."

As the Sussexes continue to navigate their new lives in California, the question of their purpose and identity remains a significant challenge. The couple's struggle to establish themselves outside of the British monarchy continues to attract attention, raising questions about their future in the public eye.