In 2020, Prince Harry stepped back from his royal duties and moved to California with his wife, Meghan Markle. Since then, he has reportedly lost contact with many old friends. Across the Atlantic, Harry is said to feel lonely, with his longtime bodyguard now considered his closest companion.
Before “Megxit,” Harry was especially close to his friends from his school days at Eton. However, these friendships began to fade after they met Meghan Markle. During a hunting weekend in November 2017, Meghan criticized jokes made by the group about transgender people and feminism, creating tension.
According to Tom Bower’s book, Revenge: Meghan, Harry, and the War Between the Windsors, Meghan shocked attendees at a gathering on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. The group included 16 of Harry’s friends along with their wives and girlfriends.
“Their jokes, which touched on sexism, feminism, and transgender issues, echoed through the living and dining rooms. Without hesitation, Meghan confronted every guest whose comments clashed with her values. No one was spared,” Bower wrote.
Behind Harry’s back, his friends described Meghan as “a complete nightmare,” with some texting him things like, “OMG, what’s with HER?” and “Harry has completely lost it.”
Harry, who had always enjoyed hunting weekends with lighthearted jokes, drinks, and camaraderie, found the atmosphere strained due to Meghan’s presence. Bower wrote that Harry’s friends saw Meghan as “princess-like” and lacking a sense of humor.
A few months later, in March 2017, Harry and Meghan joined the same group at the wedding of Harry’s close friend, Tom “Skippy” Inskip, in Jamaica. The group hoped Meghan would fit in better this time, but they were again disappointed. One of the mothers at the wedding said, “She wasn’t interested in us.”
“Harry’s friends’ jokes and worldviews were unacceptable to Meghan,” Bower noted. Meghan, in turn, reportedly felt the group was hostile toward her.
Prince Harry Loses Friends Over Meghan
Tom “Skippy” Inskip, who had been by Harry’s side during his wildest adventures—like partying in Las Vegas and nights out in Europe—was also among those concerned about Harry’s relationship with Meghan. According to the book Finding Freedom, Skippy advised Harry to live with Meghan before getting married to better understand her character.
“Although the advice was well-intentioned, Harry didn’t take it that way,” the authors wrote. As a result, Skippy and his wife, Lara, were excluded from key events like Harry’s wedding reception at Frogmore.
While it’s believed that the two reconciled after the birth of Prince Archie and other family tragedies, Skippy now lives on another continent. Harry’s recent celebrations, such as his 40th birthday, have been smaller and more private.
Since moving to America, Harry has cut ties with many old friends. “The isolation intensified after Harry and Meghan decided to distance themselves from the royal family,” reported British media. Once known for extravagant birthdays, Harry’s celebrations have become quieter, far removed from the lively social life he once enjoyed.
