Who Prince Harry confides in, including a prominent Canadian, as the Royal Family rift continues

Since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the decision in 2020 to step back as working royals, Prince Harry has been navigating a new chapter in his life -- his journey taking him from the confines of Buckingham Palace to the sunny shores of California. Royal commentator Afua Hagan looks at the impact the move has had on his relationships, both personal and public.

It was the decision that shocked the Royal Family and royal watchers the world over. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the decision in January 2020 to step back as working royals.

Since then, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has been navigating a new chapter in his life. His journey has taken him from the confines of Buckingham Palace to the sunny shores of California, where he now resides with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children. This shift has not only changed his physical location but has also had an impact on his relationships, both personal and public.

As he settles into life in Montecito, Prince Harry continues to honour the memory of his mother, Princess Diana, through his actions and charitable work. His connections to the Spencer family, including Earl Spencer and his aunts -- Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes -- remain extremely important to him. Prince Harry is finding comfort and purpose outside the Royal Family, from his visits to Althorp House to his new life in America, as he balances his past with his present.

Althorp House, the ancestral home of the Spencer family, holds a special place in Prince Harry's heart. This Grade I-listed stately home, where Princess Diana spent her childhood, has become a sanctuary for Harry, offering a connection to his mother's memory and a respite from royal scrutiny.

Prince Harry's bond with Althorp extends beyond its historical significance. The estate has been a constant in his life, and it has allowed him to maintain close relationships with his Spencer aunts and uncle over the years.

In spring this year, Charles Spencer and Lady Jane Fellowes showed their support for Harry at the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games ceremony in London.