Why Prince Harry and Meghan felt snubbed by the royals before leaving

More than four years ago, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made headlines worldwide when they chose to leave the Royal Family. Initially, they seemed to want a quieter life away from the public eye. However, their actions in the years since tell a different story.

The couple has shared their experiences through interviews, documentaries, and even a book, which has strained their relationship with the British monarchy. While they’ve given reasons for their departure, not all details have been revealed. One royal expert suggests that Queen Elizabeth II played a significant role in their decision.

The Shocking Announcement

On January 8, 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan announced they were stepping back from their roles as senior royals. They expressed a desire to carve out a new role and become financially independent while still supporting the Queen. However, their decision was not discussed with Queen Elizabeth or Prince William beforehand, leaving Buckingham Palace “disappointed” and senior royals “hurt.”

Behind the Scenes Tensions

Tensions had been brewing for some time. Just days after Harry and Meghan’s wedding, rumors began circulating about Meghan’s behavior toward royal staff. Reports also hinted at growing rifts between Harry and his brother, William, as well as between Meghan and other members of the royal household.

Meghan has spoken openly about the intense scrutiny she faced from the British press, which affected her health and relationship with the royal hierarchy. The couple even suggested they could earn their own income to avoid taxpayer funding, which would reduce public interest in their lives.

The ‘Final Straw’

According to royal expert Andrew Morton, a particular photograph in 2016 deeply affected Harry and Meghan. The photo featured Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Prince William, and young Prince George, symbolizing the future of the monarchy. Harry and Meghan reportedly felt sidelined, believing the Royal Family was conspiring against them.

Morton claims this moment made the couple realize they had no future within the royal sphere. Their decision to leave was not sudden but had been in the works for some time, with Harry reportedly discussing their plans with Oprah Winfrey just six months after their wedding.

Queen Elizabeth’s Reaction

While Harry and Meghan were relieved to leave royal life behind, Queen Elizabeth was deeply hurt by their decision. According to royal expert Katie Nicholl, the Queen was saddened by the limited time she spent with Harry and Meghan’s children, Archie and Lilibet. She even wrote to the couple expressing her feelings, revealing her disappointment.

Harry also recounted in his memoir, “Spare,” the heartbreaking moment he learned of his grandmother’s passing. Despite the strained relationship, he expressed admiration for her dedication to her duties until the very end.

Public and Royal Response

Harry’s revelations have caused frustration among both the public and members of the Royal Family. Some royal aides found his comments about Queen Elizabeth supporting his legal battles “tasteless.” There are also speculations about Harry’s future, with some suggesting he misses his life in the UK. However, royal expert Hilary Fordwich believes that as long as Prince William is around, Harry will never return to royal life.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to leave the Royal Family was complex, influenced by various factors, including their treatment by the media, internal family dynamics, and their desire for a different life. While they may have found some peace, the impact of their departure continues to be felt by the Royal Family and the public alike.