In recent years, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced a series of challenges that have left them increasingly isolated from the royal family and former friends. Their decision to step back from their royal duties in 2020 — an unprecedented move in modern British history — marked the beginning of a tumultuous journey that would forever alter their relationship with the institution they were once deeply tied to.
From the outside, Harry and Meghan’s departure may have seemed like a choice for freedom, but the reality of their isolation is much more complex. The couple’s decision to forge their own path outside of royal obligations was met with mixed reactions. While some supported their desire for independence, others viewed it as an affront to the traditions and responsibilities that come with being a member of the British royal family.
The Split with the Royal Family
The move to step back from their royal roles wasn’t made in haste. According to sources close to Harry and Meghan, the couple felt constrained by the ever-present pressure to adhere to royal protocols and the constant media scrutiny that seemed to follow them wherever they went. For Meghan, especially, the relentless tabloid attention was unbearable, and Harry, ever protective of his wife, could no longer watch her suffer in silence.
However, their decision to distance themselves from royal duties led to growing tensions with Harry’s family, particularly with Prince William and King Charles. Meghan’s strained relationship with certain members of the royal family, often depicted in the media, appeared to deepen, especially after their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, where the couple made accusations of racism and mistreatment.
Harry’s Struggle with His Role in the Family
For Prince Harry, the journey has been one of deep internal conflict. As someone who once served in the British Army and performed royal duties with pride, walking away from the life he had known for decades was not an easy choice. Still, Harry has spoken candidly about the mental health challenges he faced while in the royal family. He felt trapped, bound by tradition, and unable to express himself freely.
In a moving statement, Harry has described the emotional toll the royal family and public life had on his well-being. His decision to leave, while painful, was, in his eyes, an act of self-preservation — for both him and his family. The royal family, on the other hand, was reportedly blindsided by his departure, with several members unable to fully comprehend the personal pain that had led to Harry’s decision.
Meghan’s Difficult Transition
Meghan Markle, who had a successful acting career before joining the royal family, also faced challenges in adjusting to royal life. The media’s portrayal of her as an outsider and her struggles with racism became key points of tension between the Sussexes and the royal family. Meghan’s experience as a biracial woman in an institution that has long been associated with British aristocracy created a unique set of challenges.
After stepping back from royal duties, the couple moved to California, where they have sought to carve out a new life. They signed lucrative deals with companies like Netflix and Spotify, embarking on a journey to tell their stories and advocate for social justice causes. While these ventures have been successful in many ways, they have also contributed to the widening divide between Harry, Meghan, and the royal family.
Tensions with the Royal Family
The most significant fallout from their departure came in the form of a profound rift between Harry and his family. Prince William, the heir to the throne, reportedly feels that Harry’s actions have jeopardized the royal family’s reputation. The brothers, once extremely close, have now grown apart. Harry’s memoir, Spare, further fueled tensions, with its candid revelations about family dynamics, particularly regarding his relationship with William and Charles.
At the heart of this split lies a deep sense of betrayal on both sides. For Harry and Meghan, their departure was not just about personal freedom, but about seeking a new life for their children, away from the constant scrutiny they had been subjected to. For the royal family, their actions seemed like a rejection of the very institution they had sworn to serve.
A Family Frozen Out
Despite attempts at reconciliation — including Harry’s attendance at Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and the funeral of his grandfather, Prince Philip — the relationship remains strained. The royal family’s public appearances and statements about the couple have been largely neutral or, at times, critical, signaling the deep divide that remains.
For Harry and Meghan, the pain of being “frozen out” of royal life is something they’ve both publicly expressed. In interviews and through their philanthropic work, the couple has emphasized the importance of mental health, the struggles they’ve faced, and their desire to continue contributing positively to society. They have also become outspoken critics of the media’s treatment of them, particularly in how it relates to their personal lives and the impact on their mental well-being.
The road ahead for Harry and Meghan remains uncertain. Their quest for a life beyond the royal spotlight continues to be met with both admiration and disdain. As they seek to balance their roles as public figures with the desire for privacy and peace, the couple will likely face continued scrutiny and challenges.
But one thing is clear: while the royal family may have distanced themselves from Harry and Meghan, their journey — filled with pain, triumphs, and the constant search for belonging — is far from over.