Meghan and Harry Get a Fresh Start After Quitting the Royal Family

Prince Harry met American actress Meghan Markle when they were set up on a blind date in 2016. The pair hit it off and officially tied the knot two years later, in 2018. The royal wedding was in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, and was watched by millions of people all over the world. Since their marriage, Harry and Meghan have been through a lot. Keep reading to see just how drastically their lives have changed since announcing their exit from the royal family…

The Shocking Announcement

It’s no secret that Meghan Markle hasn’t had an easy time with the British media. In fact, the famously invasive tabloid press has been known to harass the Suits actress. Prince Harry also has a difficult relationship with the media, due to the role of paparazzi in his mother’s passing.

For these reasons and others, on April 1st, 2020, the royal couple made an announcement that they would be stepping down as senior royals and planned to become financially independent.

The Signs Were There

Before this groundbreaking and unprecedented announcement, there were already some signs that Meghan and Harry weren’t happy with their situation in the UK. As well as their issues with the press, which include several lawsuits, the royal couple have allegedly had issues with Harry’s brother, William, as well as his wife, Kate Middleton.

Tabloid rumors suggest that the foursome fell out because Harry was annoyed that his brother was cheating on Katherine with a mutual friend. Additionally, Harry left a charity that the brothers set up together.

One Foot Out the Door

Since making their announcement, Prince Harry and Meghan have spent time in both Canada and the USA. Prior to their announcement, the couple had holidayed with baby Archie in Vancouver Island, Canada with Meghan’s mom, Doria Ragland. Ordinarily, members of the British royal family spend holidays together.

For example, Queen Elizabeth II spends every Christmas at Sandringham, and younger royals travel to meet her there. The Queen was said to be “disappointed” with Harry and Meghan’s holiday abroad.

“I’m Not OK”

Before Meghan and Harry officially revealed their intentions to leave the British royal family, a documentary showed how emotionally on edge the couple was. The documentary, called Harry and Meghan: An African Journey, showed a tearful Meghan admitting that life in the royal family had been difficult.

The former actress thanked the reporter for asking her and said, “As a woman, it’s a lot […] it’s a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes.”