Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are finding things tough without having the glamorous life of being a royal to fall back on.
That is the view of royal expert and author Tessa Dunlop who says the duo are "discovering to their cost, royalty does not travel well" following their decision to reside stateside.
Tessa's comments come as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to look for their next move following their Spotify axe. It's thought that Harry might go solo with his TV adventure to Africa, while Meghan has been continuously linked to high-end fashion brands.
It's well known Americans have long been fans of the Royal Family. Tessa admits there was initial fear that Harry and Meghan's "excoriating criticism of the venerable institution" could have caused the popularity to wane. But she insists the showings of positivity from President Biden's visit show this certainly isn't the case.
And speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Tessa said: "Surrounded by pomp and ceremony, the visit was a reminder that the trappings of royalty are what sets it apart. And the absence of those trappings is what the Duke and Duchess of Sussex so sorely lack."
She continued: "After all, no matter how great your celebrity (and yes, despite what disgruntled Spotify bosses say, the couple are still big news), in America there will always be someone richer and more famous. Over there, fame is commonplace, not so the magic and mystery that comes with monarchy. As the Sussexes are discovering to their cost, royalty does not travel well (abdicated Edward VIII found this out in the late 1930s).
"To really flourish more than titles and money are required. Harry, barefoot in a beanie, can't compete with William in full-blown honorary military uniform. Meghan in Valentino or Givenchy is less noteworthy than the Princess of Wales in her Lover's Knot tiara (once Diana's) and badge of the Royal Victorian Order."
And Tessa also touched upon there residency, saying there is not a "Montecito mansion" and their property will never be "better than a castle".
"Tinsel, tiaras, and turrets are a big deal when it comes America's love affair with monarchy," she added before saying: "Charles is not just Harry's rich twice-married papa, he is the King. And yesterday, Windsor in all its blazing glory, was a reminder of that."
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