Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been the subject of countless headlines, capturing the world’s attention as part of the British Royal Family. However, the pair boldly decided to break away from their diplomatic responsibilities, splitting their time between the U.S. and the U.K. The reason for their decision has been revealed, putting a new perspective on the coveted Royal life.
Prince Harry Marries Meghan Markle
Prince Harry met his now-wife Meghan Markle in 2016. They tied the knot in 2018 and have since welcomed two children into the world. Although they share a beautiful love story, it has been the topic of controversy over the years. Perhaps nothing more so than their decision to break away from the Royal family. Rumors have circulated that they have a tumultuous relationship with the rest of the family, namely William and Kate. Many have wondered if that’s the reason for their tough choice.
Prince Harry’s Astonishing Announcement
While that theory would make sense, there’s more to the story. There are several reasons the pair chose this route. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their decision because they wanted to “prioritize privacy.” However, the Royal Family has a deal with the public; they’re subjected to having their lives open to unlimited interviews, photos, and inside looks at the daily happenings amongst the family. In 2020, Prince Harry and his wife announced they would step down from their Royal roles. “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution,” they said on January 8.
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Still Senior Royals
Despite the choice to no longer be in the spotlight, the pair also shared they weren’t fully pulling away from the Royal family. “We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honor our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.” They added. The pair were still “senior members” of the royal family, and living at Frogmore.
Tension in the Royal Family
Despite stepping down, they requested to stay in their home and invested around $3 million in renovations. They agreed to pay back to taxpayers after stepping down from their roles. However, King Charles purportedly chose a new plan for the property, following the release of Prince Harry’s book Spare. “Initially, they were given just weeks, but now they have at least until after the coronation.” Explained a close friend of the pair. “It all feels very final and like a cruel punishment. It’s like [the family] wants to cut them out of the picture for good.”
Health and Safety
Prince Harry and Meghan have shared that the reason for their choice is more than just privacy. Meghan experienced severe health concerns and a tumultuous relationship with the royal family as a result of being in the spotlight. As such, their health and well-being were at stake. “When my wife and I fled this place, in fear for our sanity and physical safety, I wasn’t sure when I’d ever come back. That was January 2020.” Prince Harry shared.
Double Standards
According to Meghan, she and Prince Harry were subject to double standards when making their announcement. “Anything to just … because just by existing, we were upsetting the dynamic of the hierarchy. So we go, ‘Okay, fine, let’s get out of here. Happy to,’” she said.
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A Quieter Life
Although the pair has settled into a comfortable life in Montecito with their children, Archie and Lilibet, they’ve been busy releasing books, doing a Netflix documentary, starting businesses, writing blogs, and maintaining their goal to help others whenever possible. However, according to Tom Quinn, a journalist and royal family expert, Prince Harry has been missing “aspects of his old life.”
Meghan’s Tulmutuous Relationships
“Inevitably, the honeymoon period where everything in the States is new and exciting is coming to an end and Harry is looking back at the past through rose-tinted spectacles,” Quinn told the Mirror. Interestingly, another controversial topic regarding the pair stems from Meghan’s complex dynamics with seemingly everyone in Prine Harry’s life. Tabloids have been riddled with stories of how Meghan treats and struggles to get along with members of the royal family and staff.
Prince Harry’s Second Thoughts
According to Quinn, those aren’t the only people alienated by the Duchess. “He misses his Old Etonian and army friends, many of whom have not visited as they don’t get on with Meghan,” Quinn said. “Harry is determined to find his own permanent home in the UK, which is partly why he’s continuing his legal action to get the British taxpayer to pay for his security.”
Whether Prince Harry steps back into his Royal role, he and Meghan Markle have their hands full with raising a family and pursuing numerous professional endeavors. They, like many people, appreciate the freedom to live their way. As such, they didn’t want to be in the spotlight, the topic of controversial tabloids, or a reason for tension or animosity among the Royal family.
H/t Newsner
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