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

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.

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.

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.

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."

Looking back at Meghan and Harry's time in the UK, it's not difficult to see why their life must have been difficult. As an American civilian, Meghan had to learn British royal etiquette, and the press held her to a high standard if she didn't measure up. For example, during the Trooping of the Color, the royal family is supposed to watch the parade in silence. Meghan ended up turning around to speak to her husband, and was told to turn back around again.