American royals lead ordinary lives while famous British royals depart California
Several members of former royal families now reside in the United States, holding regular jobs and raising families far from the spotlight.
While Prince Harry and Meghan are leaving their Montecito estate, a quieter group of former royals lives across the United States in everyday roles. Raiyah Bint Al Hussain, daughter of the late King Hussein of Jordan, studies at UCLA after earning a master’s in Japanese Studies. Dorian Neumann von Héthárs operates Neu Breath, a Los Angeles center that supports new mothers.
In the capital, Prince Joel David Makonnen Haile Selassie runs the media company Wax and Gold, focusing on Black storytelling. Theodora Greece, daughter of the deposed Greek king, has spent 15 years portraying a scheming secretary on "The Bold and the Beautiful" and recently married lawyer Matthew Kumar. New York-based Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, a former Thai prince, practices law after a childhood exile, while Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia creates bespoke jewelry after a career at Sotheby’s. Finally, Victoria de Lesseps offers psychic and life-coaching services from Sag Harbor.
Why it matters
The piece shows how former royals adapt to ordinary lives in the U.S., highlighting cultural integration and diverse career paths.
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