Since relocating to Montecito, California, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have embarked on a new chapter that’s garnered both admiration and criticism. Recently, discussions about their lifestyle choices and public appearances have sparked debate, highlighting their transition from royal duties to Hollywood aspirations.

Charlotte Griffiths, editor-at-large for the Mail on Sunday, offered insights on Palace Confidential, characterizing the Sussexes’ life in California as akin to a perpetual “prom event.” She noted that Meghan Markle, in particular, seems to orchestrate glamorous events where she and Harry can shine together, reminiscent of a red carpet affair.

Charlotte responded: ‘I get the impression that life for Meghan Markle at the moment is a sort of prom event and [Harry] is the prom king and she’s the prom king and she’s setting up all these events over the years that they can attend together.

‘Although at the Living Legends of Aviation one, she actually didn’t turn up with him because a similar controversy had happened before the event and then she didn’t go with him.

‘I’ll be very interested to see if this time next week she goes with him. Serena Williams, her great friend, is presenting the award so she may well attend.

‘Life isn’t a red carpet event for them to show off their brand, there are some very serious events out there and they are being tin-eared.’

The conversation turned to recent controversies, including the backlash over Prince Harry receiving the prestigious Pat Tillman award. Pat Tillman, a former American football star who sacrificed a lucrative career to serve in the US Army post-9/11, had his mother express surprise and disappointment over the decision, suggesting there were more deserving candidates without Harry’s wealth and connections.

Jo Elvin, host of Palace Confidential, questioned whether Harry and Meghan were tone-deaf to such criticisms. Charlotte Griffiths acknowledged that while they engage in high-profile events like the Living Legends of Aviation ceremony, Meghan’s absence at times—possibly due to controversies—raises eyebrows. She speculated on Meghan’s potential attendance at future events, such as those where her friend Serena Williams would be involved.

Reflecting on their lifestyle in California, the Sussexes have immersed themselves in a world of red carpets, film premieres, awards ceremonies, and collaborations with platforms like Netflix. Meghan, known for her role in Suits, has been launching her new brand, American Riviera Orchard, and networking with celebrities, even sending jars of her strawberry jam to stars like Chrissy Teigen and Mindy Kaling. Her mother, Doria Ragland, has also been seen mingling with figures like Beyonce’s mother, Tina Knowles, and Kris Jenner, suggesting a deepening involvement in Hollywood circles.

Sources have indicated Meghan’s ambition to “break the internet,” a goal she allegedly expressed during a strategy meeting with a PR firm in 2019. This aspiration underscores her proactive approach to establishing herself in the entertainment industry.

Comparing their current lifestyle to their previous roles within the British Royal Family, Royal Editor Rebecca English emphasized the contrast. Traditionally, royals prioritize public service over personal accolades, rarely accepting awards. However, Harry and Meghan’s new life in America seems to embrace a celebrity culture where recognition and awards play a significant role.

She said: ‘You very rarely see a member of the Royal Family getting an award for something they have done. There have been joking ones over the years, maybe the King or the Prince of Wales have accepted one environmental award.

‘But you don’t [often see it] because they consider public service to be an award in itself.

Charlotte Griffiths highlighted the significance of Harry being nominated for the Pat Tillman award, emphasizing that while it celebrates his military service from 2005 to 2015, it also underscores the need for new accomplishments and contributions in his post-royal life.

As the Sussexes continue to navigate their newfound path, their decisions and public appearances will undoubtedly be scrutinized. Whether they will succeed in merging celebrity status with meaningful contributions remains a topic of ongoing debate, reflecting their evolving roles in the public eye.