From Palace to Purpose: Prince Harry 'Does Not Want His Royal Life Back' — But Is Ready to 'Recover His Reputation'

Prince Harry is done with gold carriages, servants, and bowing, but reportedly does want to preserve one aspect of British royal life in his new "quest for meaning."

Vanity Fair noted that the Duke's recent trip to NYC in late September saw the reluctant HRH take on "at least seven events with a handful of his charities, some of which have counted him as a patron for more than a decade," which Harry completed "in under 72 hours."

In light of the rebel prince recently turning 40, royal expert Phil Dampier dished, "Harry sometimes feels like a spare part and, he often looks unhappy when he's out with Meghan [Markle] at events in California. I think he has reached a point where he wants more for himself. He's turned 40 and must be asking himself what the future holds."

Despite this assessment, other news reflects on Meghan as an "extremely proud" partner in Harry's newfound outlook.

The duo's newly launched "Parent's Network" through their Archewell Foundation was represented by the Duke of Sussex in NYC. The Duchess of Sussex was also reportedly "delighted" by his spooky Halloween drop-in on the Thursday, September 26, episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Jimmy Fallon asked the prince to tour his newly launched attraction at 30 Rockefeller Center called "Tonightmares." In the skit, the host asked the rebel royal if he was easily frightened, and Harry replied, "Not normally, but today might be different."

At the Clinton Global Initiative event on Tuesday, September 24, His Royal Highness received a standing ovation for emotionally telling the crowd, "My lock screen is a picture of my kids. What’s on yours?" he said in front of a large screen showing deceased children who were all victims of online harassment.

"These children, and thousands more, meant the world to their families," the Duke added. "The beautiful faces you see before you, their smiles, their dreams."

He then shared that he felt they all perished "because of social media."

With his charitable endeavors set to occupy much of his future time, some analysts are again taking an observant look at the state of Harry and Meghan's marriage.

This led lip reader Judi James to look back for insights, "In 2018 they were locking lips at a similar event and it’s easy to spot some intrinsic differences in their way of handling this very traditional royal PDA. Back in 2018 Harry, looking all fired-up and full of passion after hammering around on the polo field planted a very sexy kiss on Meghan’s lips, giving the kiss a 'get a room!' quality."

She concluded, "His expression was serious and he looked lost in the moment as he turned his head but kept his torso facing front."

She Knows reported on Harry's trip.