It’s only been a couple of weeks, but Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing some challenges as they embark on a new chapter outside of their former roles as senior royal family members.
In March, the pair flew to LA, where they have since settled in isolation with their 11-month-old son Archie.
The last-minute trip occurred just days before they officially commenced their financially independant life outside of the royal family on March 31.
Of course, things might feel a little uncertain for many people right now as the coronavirus pandemic continues, and it seems Harry and Meghan are well and truly feeling it too.
A close friend of Harry’s and famed British conservationist Dr Jane Goodall recently spoke to the Radio Times about the Sussex’s move abroad, noting that Prince Harry was finding life “a bit challenging”.
“I don’t know how his career is going to map out, but yes, I’ve been in touch, though I think he’s finding life a bit challenging just now,” she told the show.
The news shouldn’t come as a surprise when you consider the deep impacts the COVID-19 pandemic is having on people from all walks of life.
While the pair’s move to LA made sense considering it was where Meghan grew up, and her mother, Doria Ragland still resides there, the pandemic hasn’t made things particularly easy to settle in.
In fact, according to reports, the pair have been unable to see Doria as they practice social distancing and abide by World Health Organisation advice.
Prince Harry and Meghan have been faced with unprecedented circumstances after arriving in LA.
(Getty)Despite being in isolation, couple have still been finding ways to keep busy – working on their brand new charitable arm, for one.
Announced earlier this month, the pair have decided to name the new organisation Archewell, which aligns with their son Archie’s name and is derived from the Greek word for “source of action”.
Speaking to the Telegraph, the royal couple shed light on why they decided to announce the details now.
“Our focus is on supporting efforts to tackle the global Covid-19 pandemic but faced with this information coming to light, we felt compelled to share the story of how this came to be,” they shared.
“Archewell is a name that combines an ancient word for strength and action, and another that evokes the deep resources we each must draw upon. We look forward to launching Archewell when the time is right,” they added.
WATCH: Prince Harry shares “the truth” about his and Meghan’s exit from royal life. Story continues…
As they pave ahead with their new life abroad, it’s not unexpected that the pair will face some hurdles, particularly when it comes to becoming fully financially independant.
Of course, their status and constant scrutiny from media and paparazzi means they will require some investment in security, a feat hotly debated in recent reports.
Respected royal commentator Omid Scobie admitted that the pair “have spent the last few years not earning a living. As a royal, your expenses are covered, but you don’t earn a salary. It will be very tough for them, especially in the few months ahead.”
That said, the pair have certainly made things work before, and they’ve proved they’re quite the unstoppable force (read: the actual act of stepping back from the age old British Firm in itself).
Hopefully before long we’ll see them back in their element once restrictions have lifted.
