Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
Chantel Brink
Chantel Brink
August 13, 2024 ·  4 min read

Prince Harry Feels ‘Guilty’ That Meghan Markle Had to Sacrifice Hollywood Career to Become a Royal

Prince Harry reportedly feels a deep sense of remorse over Meghan Markle sacrificing her dreams to join the British royal family. This decision significantly altered her life trajectory, setting her on a path she hadn’t fully anticipated. The couple’s eventual decision to step down as senior royals in 2020 highlighted the challenges Meghan faced in adapting to royal life. “Meghan has made no secret of how much she misses her carefree life when she was an actress.” A source close to the Sussexes shared.

The Struggle Between Love and Career

New York, NY - September 23, 2021: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan visit One World Observatory on 102nd floor of Freedom Tower ofWorld Trade Center
Source: Shutterstock

Despite cherishing her life with Prince Harry and their children, Meghan Markle reportedly longs for her former career and the freedom it afforded her. “While she’d never change what she has with Harry and the kids, there is a big part of her that she wishes she could just get her old life back,” added the source. This longing reflects the broader struggle many face when balancing personal relationships with career ambitions.

Read More: Have You Ever Noticed This One Strange Detail in Pictures of Princess Diana and King Charles?

Meghan’s Hollywood Journey

Cardiff, Wales, UK, January 18th 2018. Meghan Markle arrives at a blustery Cardiff Castle.
Source: Shutterstock

Meghan’s acting career gained prominence with her role as Rachel Zane on the TV series Suits in 2011. Before that, she worked in smaller roles in television and film since the early 2000s. Her exposure to Hollywood began early, thanks to her father, Thomas Markle, who worked as a lighting technician. Her career path took a dramatic turn when she met Prince Harry in the summer of 2016. Their engagement was announced in November 2017, and they married on May 19, 2018.

Prince Harry’s Guilt Over Meghan’s Sacrifices

London, United Kingdom - June 6th 2022. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend the Platinum Jubilee Service of Thanks Giving at St Paul's Cathedral
Source: Shutterstock

The Duke of Sussex apparently feels guilty about the sacrifices Meghan had to make to marry him. “Harry often feels guilty for Meghan having to give up on her dream life. He knows how much she sacrificed to marry him and have a family with him. So he will support her no matter what,” noted the insider. This sense of guilt underscores the couple’s ongoing struggle to balance royal duties with personal happiness.

Meghan’s Return to the Spotlight

Cardiff, Wales, UK, January 18th 2018. Prince Harry and his fiance Meghan Markle greet schoolchildren on their arrival at Cardiff Castle.
Source: Shutterstock

Despite past sacrifices, Meghan is seemingly preparing for a return to the spotlight. “She has quite a few work commitments coming up, but this is just the beginning of Meghan’s big comeback, and she’ll be doing things on her terms,” shared the tipster. This suggests Meghan is eager to reclaim her autonomy and pursue her passions once again.

Read More: Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Changed Their Children’s Names

Nostalgia for Hollywood

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Birmingham, UK. The couple were in Birmingham to mark International Women’s Day 08.03.2018
Source: Shutterstock

Meghan enjoyed her time on Suits and the opportunities it brought her, including attending exclusive events and mingling with Hollywood A-listers without the intense scrutiny and pressure she now faces. “She loved being in Suits and all the opportunities it gave her. She’d get invited to all the exclusive events and get to hang out with Hollywood A-listers, but there was so much less scrutiny and attention, and there was no pressure on her,” explained the source.

Social Challenges in Their New Life

New York, NY - September 23, 2021: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan visit One World Observatory on 102nd floor of Freedom Tower ofWorld Trade Center
Source: Shutterstock

The Sussexes face social challenges in their new life, as revealed by another source. They remarked, “Harry and Meghan are being left off guest lists for friends’ weddings and other events due to their estrangement from the royal family.” This exclusion highlights the couple’s complex social dynamics as they navigate their post-royal lives.

There is a genuine fear that if the Sussexes are invited to a wedding or a christening, it could leave that family excluded from the social circuit, which would be one of the biggest faux pas imaginable,” dished the insider. This indicates the delicate balance their friends must strike in maintaining relationships with both the Sussexes and the royal family.

Internet Reactions to Prince Harry’s Guilt

Peacehaven, East Sussex, UK. 3rd October 2018. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle make their first official visit to the counties of West and East Sussex
Source: Shutterstock

The news of Prince Harry feeling guilty about Meghan Markle abandoning her acting career to join the royal family elicited a variety of reactions online. A Facebook user expressed skepticism about the situation, writing, “It is not a royal drama. It is completely a MEgain narcissist drama.” Others debated Meghan’s career prospects, with one commenting, “Her Hollywood dreams were only a fantasy, but I’m sure she convinced Harry she was headed to the top.

Harry has struggled to find his purpose in life after leaving the military,” expressed a person, while another remarked, “What dreams? She was an actress who was never going to make it big in Hollywood. And with Suits coming to an end, she had no offers of any work anywhere! So she gave up squat!” Yet another echoed, “What dreams, she was unemployed… jobless.”

More Comments & The Future for the Sussexes

LONDON, UK - MAY 11th 2018: Shop display celebrating the Royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan markle.
SOurce: Shutterstock

An individual criticized Prince Harry’s decisions, writing, “Harry threw his whole life and family under the bus for MM! Hope he feels that it was all worth it! With her personality, she was never destined to be successful because she is false and vindictive towards everybody and everything!”

As Meghan Markle looks towards her future, she seems poised to make a comeback in the entertainment industry on her own terms. The couple’s journey illustrates the complexities of balancing personal dreams with public duties, a challenge that resonates with many who face similar dilemmas in their own lives. With Prince Harry by her side, Meghan’s path forward remains a topic of keen interest and speculation.

Read More: Meghan Markle Puts On Defiant Display At Awards As She Stands By Prince Harry’s Side

Sources

  1. Prince Harry feels ‘guilty’ over Meghan Markle sacrificing her Hollywood dreams to join royals: SourceMeaww. Khushali Srivastava. July 27, 2024.
  2. Meghan Markle’s Sacrificed Dreams: Prince Harry Feels ‘Guilty’ Duchess Gave Up Her Career Aspirations for Royal MachineOK Magazine. Charles Switzer. July 27 2024.