Duke of Sussex probably ‘feeling a bit helpless’ and will struggle to find a role in LA, says expert

Prince Harry will be feeling ‘helpless’ and like a ‘duck out of water’ as he tries to establish himself in Los Angeles, a former royal editor has claimed. 

Duncan Larcombe, a journalist and author of Prince Harry: The Inside Story, told how the prince, 35, could be seen as Meghan Markle’s ‘plus one’ as he tries to forge his own path in his wife’s hometown. 

Speaking to Closer, Mr Larcombe added that Harry might be feeling ‘helpless’ not being able to do more for his family as they try to boost the nation’s morale during the coronavirus lockdown.

Duncan Larcombe, a former royal editor, revealed Harry is probably ‘feeling a bit helpless’ as he and Meghan start their new life in the former actress’ home town. Pictured in October 2018

He said: ‘Harry didn’t go to university and he hasn’t had much work experience other than being in the army and charity work.

‘Being in Hollywood is likely to make him feel like a duck out of water, as it will be tricky for him to find a suitable role.’

He added: ‘I suspect he will be missing home more than ever and feeling a bit helpless,’referring to the efforts other members of the British royal family have been making to raise morale amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

The couple left their Canadian bolthole and took a private jet to Los Angeles with their eleven-month-old son just before non-essential travel between the two countries was suspended last month because of the coronavirus pandemic.   

It later emerged that tax from earning money and keeping up residence in both places was a motivating factor for the move.

Mr Larcombe told Closer magazine he doesn’t think Harry, who has only ever worked in the army and with charities, will cope well with the lifestyle change. Pictured in London last month

The couple had wanted to be based in a Commonwealth like Canada where they could still perform royal duties while earning their own income. 

But issues of Meghan’s passport status meant she would have to pay a large amount on tax on earnings, The Sun reported.

A source said: ‘They were told getting work visas in Canada would be difficult and because Meghan remains a US citizen, so is taxed on her worldwide income, she would end up paying in the US and Canada.

It is believed the Duchess would have to report self-employment income from while also paying a 15.3 per cent levy to cover taxes on social security and medicare.

She would also have to make disclosure to the US’ Internal Revenue Service on any foreign bank accounts. 

The couple took a private jet to Los Angeles, California with their eleven-month-old son Archie (pictured) just before non-essential travel between the two countries was suspended

The move comes as British taxpayers still face having to pick up the estimated £5 million security bill to provide round-the-clock protection.

While Harry has a team of up to nine royal protection officers, under US law they are not allowed to carry guns.

The US State Department would normally assign Harry and Meghan armed protection for the duration of his stay in California.

But as he is no longer considered an ‘international protected person’ having quit as a working member of the royal family, they are under no obligation to provide armed guards.  

The British taxpayer picks up the bill for the Met Police officers from the royal protection squad which is estimated upwards of £5m a year.

Royal experts do not believe Harry will turn to a private security firm.