Prince Harry's friends concerned as duke left with 'permanent scowl' over life in US
Prince Harry is thought to be unhappy in the US
PA
Prince Harry's friends fear the Duke of Sussex is becoming increasingly despondent and downbeat by life in America, it has been claimed.
As Prince Harry prepares to celebrate his 40th birthday tomorrow, concerns have emerged about his happiness in California, with his social circle dwindling since his move across the Atlantic.
Physically separated from many of those who he was close to in his younger years and with friends unwilling to get pulled into the royal rift between Harry and the rest of The Firm, the duke is alleged to have found himself isolated.
Sources close to the prince claim he has become increasingly reliant on his security guard, David Langdown, nicknamed "Langers", as his closest confidant.
One insider told The Sun: "The guard is an English guy who moved to Montecito with his family. He and Harry are very close, very tight. As thick as thieves."
Harry's social life appears to have undergone significant changes since his move to the US.
Prince Harry is thought to be unhappy in the USPALiving in Meghan's home territory, it is thought his circle of friends is now largely curated by his wife. At recent events, Harry has reportedly been relegated to the role of Meghan's "plus-one".
Last week, Harry was present for the opening of a bookshop run by two of Meghan's friends.
"The event summed up Harry's life in a nutshell," a source told The Sun.
"He was there more of a plus one than an equal — someone useful for a social media picture."
This shift in social dynamics is a far cry from Harry's 30th birthday celebrations a decade ago. Then, he enjoyed a lavish party at Clarence House, organised by his best friend Guy Pelly. The event featured champagne, a performance by Ellie Goulding, and a ski-themed disco complete with fake snow.
Prince Harry has been accused of turning into Meghan Markle's "plus one"
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Prince William and Prince Harry have been embroiled in a bitter feud with friends thought to be sticking with The Firm over the Sussexes
GettyFriends of the prince have expressed concern about his apparent discontent with life in America. Despite an upbeat birthday statement released yesterday, insiders fear Harry is becoming increasingly disillusioned.
One local is reported to have observed: "Meghan has a permanent smile, whereas Harry has a permanent scowl."
His daily routine now revolves around school runs, bike rides accompanied by bodyguards, and walking rescue dogs. Work days are spent at a shared desk with Meghan, interspersed with meditation sessions.
Even social outings have reportedly failed to lift Harry's spirits. At a charity event on Kevin Costner's estate last year, the couple were described as "almost rude" due to their lack of interaction with other guests.
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An old friend recently told The Times that Harry is now a "very angry boy", suggesting he'd prefer to be adored back in the UK.
Royal expert Phil Dampier noted: "When Harry turned 30 he was seen as being down to Earth, the sort people could imagine having a pint with at the pub.
"It's amazing to see how much things have changed in those ten years. His popularity has plummeted."
As Harry enters his fifth decade, his journey from beloved prince to controversial figure reflects broader changes in his life and relationships.
The once-tight social circle he shared with Prince William has largely dissipated, with many friends choosing sides in the family feud.
Even long-time supporters like Elton John have opted for more distant gestures of affection, marking his birthday by sending flowers rather than a more personal gesture.
Local flower shop manager Felipe Sandoval revealed: "Elton always orders orchids in a white container and we are coordinating with them to deliver for Harry's birthday."
US royal commentator Kinsey Schofield noted: "Celebrities know they have to pick one side or another and are saying 'we want to stick with the Royal Family'."