Prince Harry Admits He Feels Like He’s Living ‘In a Goldfish Bowl’

Growing up, the thought of being a prince or princess entered pretty much every child’s mind at some point. But the truth is, it’s not as easy as it seems. And nobody knows that better than Prince Harry, who has been in the spotlight as the son of a future king since he was born. Harry once couldn’t stand the life he lived and often lashed out with poor behavior. Today, he’s come to grips with his role and has grown to love his life, though he admits he still feels like he’s living “in a goldfish bowl.”

Prince Harry and Prince William have always been in the limelight

There was never a time when William and Harry weren’t in the public eye. From the moment they were born, they were introduced to the world on the steps of the Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s Hospital, and from there, the public was always wanting more. The only people who can understand growing up in such a different lifestyle are the royals themselves, which is why they have always all remained so close. But William, the future king, took to his role a bit better than Harry did. Harry always wanted a more private life, and that never rang more true than after his mother’s death.

Harry lashed out after his mother’s death

When Princess Diana died, Harry and William were forced to walk behind her casket while the whole world watched. He still recalls it as being one of the worst moments of his life, and it left him with a permanent scar. After Diana died, Harry had to adjust to a new normal, and it didn’t come easily. He started to lash out in his behavior; he drank and smoke a lot and didn’t always make the best decisions. At one point, he was photographed wearing a Nazi uniform. He always posed naked in Las Vegas, both of which tarnished his family’s reputation.

He’s grown to love his royal role

It took a while for Harry to realize that he wanted to be more than just the royal misfit. A lot of his behavior had come from hating the spotlight and missing his mother. Harry revealed in an interview with Newsweek that William sat down with him and convinced him to seek professional help, and over time, Harry grew more into his royal role. He started to enjoy royal engagements and loved working with children and helping those in need. Today, according to the public, Harry is the most-liked royal among any of his family members — even the queen.

Harry admitted he still feels like he’s constantly under a microscope

Though Harry has grown to love and accept where he comes from, things aren’t entirely easy. He admitted in his Newsweek interview that he still feels like the spotlight is always on him. “sometimes still feel I am living in a goldfish bowl,” he said. He likes to do his own shopping but said he’s often worried people will be taking photos of him “when I come away from the meat counter.” He’s also had trouble keeping Meghan Markle protected from the media; ever since she and Harry wed, she has been the center of plenty of rumors. But the two have managed to live a somewhat more private life after moving to Frogmore Cottage. And though Harry might have liked to have been born into a more ordinary family, he seems to love the way things are today.