Prince Harry's marriage to Meghan Markle has been a "disaster" for him, one royal commentator has claimed. For the duchess, however, it has been a "huge success".
Today marks eight years since Harry and Meghan tied the knot in one of the grandest royal weddings of them all. It failed to set the tone for the years that followed it.
Less than two years after their lavish nuptials, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had had their first child, Archie, burnt most of their royal bridges, and upped sticks to Montecito, California.
Their time in the US has not necessarily been synonymous with privacy and hiding from the limelight.
Just last month, the couple embarked on an unofficial tour of Australia, which saw swathes of locals flock to catch a glimpse of the Sussexes, and shortly after, Harry turned up in war-torn Ukraine, giving Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump a very public nudge, insisting they do more to stop the ongoing conflict.
But, while their continued activities in the public eye have split opinions, they have so far led a sustainable lifestyle and seem genuinely happy together, says royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams.
"Whatever I might think about their activities, which is totally separate, I would consider their marriage a success," he told GB News.
"I think she arrived at a particular time when Harry wanted to change direction.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle celebrate their eighth anniversary today
| GETTY"The fact that they changed direction in such a destructive way after they stepped down is something to be greatly regretted.
"But as far as I know, [their marriage] is very close, and of course they have two children."
However, Mr Fitzwilliams poignantly added: "I think they are heading in different directions, but that's a different issue."
Rumours have persisted that Harry wants to rekindle his estranged relationship with his dad, King Charles III, and could regret his decision to move so far from the UK. Meghan, meanwhile, is said to have little interest in relocating closer.
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| INSTAGRAM: @MEGHANSimilarly, royal commentator Rafe Heydel-Mankoo told The People's Channel the balance of success in the marriage is not quite at an equilibrium, claiming: "One party of the marriage has got a lot more out of it than the other one has".
"The marriage has been a huge success for Megan in terms of her profile, in terms of her business career, in terms of her wealth and her status," he said.
"But I think for Harry, one must objectively say the marriage has been a disaster in terms of his standing, his approval ratings, his connection to the monarchy, his connection to the British people."
He suggested the prince has "essentially chosen a life in America" that has left him unable to "perform any meaningful role".
"As I've often said, he knows really how to be a prince or a polo player or a soldier - none of which are of much use in California.
Rafe Heydel-Mankoo suggested Meghan has got more out of the marriage than Harry has
|GETTY
"But of course, that doesn't speak to the issue of whether he's happy with his family life, and he does seem to be in a strong marriage."
The commentator maintained the couple are "resilient," that media scrutiny has "strengthened their bond," and they remain "personally united".
Their connection and their love, he says, are unquestionable. But, for the prince, the cost has been monumental - perhaps Meghan stood to gain more from the outset.
However, celebrating their eighth anniversary, the couple show no sign of slowing down public appearances or letting criticism get in their way. What royal fans may be thinking, is whether their next eight years will be as "destructive" as their first.