Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's departure from the royal family in 2020 was a significant event that sent shockwaves throughout the world. The couple's decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family was not taken lightly, and recent revelations suggest that their relationship with the monarchy was more strained than previously thought.
Andrew Morton, a renowned biographer, has claimed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex believed that the royal family was working against them. This belief was rooted in their perception that the monarchy was more focused on protecting the image of Prince William, Harry's elder brother and second in line to the throne.
In January 2020, Meghan and Harry announced their intention to carve out a new, progressive role within the royal institution. Their statement read, "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 expressed their desire to become financially independent while continuing to support Queen Elizabeth II.
Originally, the couple had plans to split their time between Canada and England. However, following a series of events, including public criticisms and their eviction from Frogmore Cottage in 2023, they decided to settle in Montecito, California. Their decision was also influenced by a desire to provide their son, Archie, with an understanding of the royal tradition he was born into while also focusing on their new charitable endeavors.
However, the couple's relationship with the royal family took a more contentious turn when they began to portray the monarchy in a negative light. In various interviews and documentaries, the Sussexes depicted the royal family as being rigid, unaccepting, and even racist. Prince Harry, in particular, made startling revelations about the lengths the institution went to protect Prince William's image, even if it meant pushing out negative stories about Meghan.
In the docuseries titled "Harry & Meghan," the Duke of Sussex shared his feelings of betrayal, stating, "It was terrifying to have my brother screaming and shouting at me, and my father say things that simply weren't true, and my grandmother quietly sit there and take it all in." He further revealed the deep rift between him and his brother, saying, "The saddest part of it was this wedge created between me and my brother, so that he's now on the institution's side."
Harry's candid revelations shed light on the internal dynamics of the royal family and the pressures of upholding the image of the monarchy. He lamented the fact that the institution was willing to lie to protect his brother but was never ready to tell the truth to protect him and Meghan.
As the Sussexes continue to build their life away from the royal spotlight, these revelations provide a deeper understanding of the challenges they faced within the palace walls and their reasons for seeking a life outside of it.
