Has Harry and Meghan’s Hollywood Obsession Closed the Door on a Royal Comeback?

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have reached a point where their public identity can’t afford ambiguity anymore, and their latest Hollywood outing has only underlined that tension. The couple, who were photographed arriving at Kris Jenner’s James Bond-themed 70th birthday bash, seemed to be leaning comfortably into their celebrity circle. Yet within hours, every hint of their presence vanished from social media, reportedly at their own request. The cleanup, which came in the face of public criticism, reportedly irritated members of the Jenner–Kardashian clan, who aren’t used to guests asking for a digital disappearing act, and therefore, they cut ties with Markle almost immediately.

For the Sussexes, the episode reflects the uncomfortable gap between the world they left behind and the one they’re trying to navigate. Since stepping away from royal duties, they’ve embraced a lifestyle rooted in star power and entertainment, but that same shift is now being cited as one of the main reasons a royal return looks increasingly unlikely. Their Hollywood alignment that once looked like a fresh start is now beginning to look like the very thing standing in their way.

According to PR expert and EMPRA director Ruth Sparkes, the Sussexes’ current position is more complicated than it appears. She believes their efforts to rebuild any kind of meaningful relationship with the royal family can’t sit alongside an overtly Hollywood-focused lifestyle. As reported by the Daily Express, she stressed, “If they're genuinely trying to rebuild bridges with the royal family, they can't keep leaning too far into the Hollywood... it just doesn't fit with royal duty and restraint.”

Sparkes warned that swinging too far into celebrity territory would create long-term consequences. “If they go full-blown Hollywood, it’ll be almost impossible to pull that back later.” In her view, the best approach would be a period of stability and consistency. “If I were advising them, I’d say focus on the royal connection for the next 12 to 18 months, keep things consistent and low-key, and rebuild credibility this side of the pond.”

But it seems at best a pragmatic recommendation. The Sussexes seem to be doing what they wanted all along, a half-in-half-out approach, albeit without the royal stamp of approval. Sparkes believes that clarity will matter more down the line. After a period of recalibration, she says, “They can decide if there’s room to blend in the Hollywood again, work out how to balance profile with purpose in a way that actually lasts.” In other words, take a step back, strengthen one direction first, and then consider how the other might fit in.