During his much-maligned Oprah Winfrey interview, Prince Harry alleged that his brother and father, Princes William and Charles, are “trapped” by the monarchy, but are they really? In reality, it seems like Prince Harry is really the one who is “trapped,” by his mental health issues and the Hollywood machine his wife, Meghan Markle, has tied him too.

The British monarchy is a system that’s been in place for almost 1,000 years and has left a deep impact on the world. Those that are born into it quickly learn that being a British royal comes with both immense privilege but also intense scrutiny as well. It’s not easy life to live.

From time to time, it’s likely that many members do feel trapped by their role or title or, in the case of William and Charles, their destinies as future monarchs. Their “career,” if it could be called that, is essentially laid out for them. 

However, it’s also a matter of perspective.

Mature people can recognize that the lack of freedom is a bit of a burden but accept the immense and unique opportunity to become the monarch of a country, especially one as influential and world famous as the United Kingdom.

There’s also a relief that can come with accepting your lot in life as well. Instead of Prince William comparing himself to the average person, he instead delves into and relishes the distinctive role that he has.

Royal author Penny Junor recently told The Sun, “Harry is absolutely wrong. I don’t think William feels trapped at all. I think he absolutely gets what his destiny is and he is embracing it. He is modelling himself on his grandmother the Queen.”

Immature people, like Harry, cry and complain about their lots in life and only see the negative, not the incredible opportunity to make a great and powerful impact on the world.

So is Harry really better for getting out of the monarchy’s “trap” and moving to Los Angeles with his wife? Or has he exchanged one prison for another?

In reality, not really.

He is now chained to the Hollywood system and its endless cycles of promotion.

Due to his Netflix deal, Prince Harry is now trapped by his business arrangements and forced to peddle their projects. This includes “The Crown,” a series that constantly highlights the worst aspects of his family for entertainment, which he has seemingly thrown his weight behind.

He also trapped himself into promoting his new mental health series, “The Me You Can’t See,” which is quickly turning people off due to his complaining and baseless accusations against his family. 

In addition, he’s now estranged from his entire family, all of his childhood friends and away from his home country.

The dimwitted prince may think he’s free, but the way I see it, his home in Montecito isn’t a fortress away from the stifling aspects of the monarchy, but a multi-million dollar prison with a conniving wife.

There’s a rather famous prayer that fits Prince Harry’s situation well, “God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things that I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.”

This is just my opinion, but I believe Harry would be happier and was happier before Meghan got her hooks into him and exploited all his insecurities. Things may not have been perfect, but he seemed to have accepted and relished his role within the royal family and at times was the most popular royal in the entire family, overtaking the Queen.

Now, he can’t even go back and experience the same popularity that he did before. When he returns for the unveiling of Princess Diana’s statue, if he comes at all, he may be booed by his once adoring people.

My question to Harry is, are you free? Or have you just exchanged one prison for another?

Picture from Closer Weekly.