Prince Harry’s departure from the UK surprised the royal family and caused speculation and frustration, with many asking what pushed them to this drastic choice. Another shocking reason the Prince talked about has been revealed, leaving many social media users furious.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex once seemed like they had it all — a royal wedding, a growing family, and global admiration. But behind the scenes, tensions were building, and it wasn’t long before their fairy tale was over.
The couple then took a bold step to leave their royal life behind and moved to another continent. Prince Harry’s explanation for their departure has sparked widespread outrage, with critics expressing disbelief and frustration.
They cited their desire for financial independence and a healthier family life. However, Prince Harry later disclosed more personal reasons for their departure. As details emerged, critics lashed out, with many claiming that the couple had brought the turmoil on themselves.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex during their visit to Colombia on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
From a Royal Wedding to a Shocking Exit
In May 2018, Harry and Meghan stood on the steps of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, waving to the cheering crowds as newlyweds. It was a ceremony that captivated millions around the world.
However, two years later, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shocked the public and the royal family with an unexpected announcement. In January 2020, the couple declared they would be stepping back as senior royals.
They also shared their plans to become financially independent while splitting their time between the UK and North America. In their statement, they expressed their desire to raise their son, Archie, with respect for royal traditions. They also voiced a desire for freedom to focus on a new chapter of their lives.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at Nathan Philips Square on September 25, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
The announcement sent shockwaves through Buckingham Palace. It was widely reported that neither the Queen nor Prince William had been consulted before the couple’s public statement. This left senior royals “hurt” and “disappointed.” It became clear that all was not well within the royal family.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, on March 9, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
The Hidden Struggles Behind the Scenes
The rift between Prince Harry and the rest of the royal family became more evident with time. Tensions between him and his brother, Prince William, grew deeper, with reports suggesting that their once-close relationship was strained beyond repair.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge during the unveiling of a statue they commissioned of Diana, Princess of Wales, on July 1, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, was said to be particularly heartbroken over the situation. An insider revealed that Kate had been trying to encourage William to reach out to Harry and mend the family bonds, but her attempts fell on deaf ears.
Prince William, Prince of Wales, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex follow the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, in London, England, on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
For Meghan, the relentless pressure from the media had taken its toll. Since the beginning of their relationship, she had been the subject of harsh criticism and invasive scrutiny.
Meghan Markle at The Fashion Awards in London, England on December 10, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Allegations from ex-staff members, who claimed that Meghan had verbally attacked them during her time at the palace, only added fuel to the fire.
Meghan Markle at the Lightway Academy in Abuja, Nigeria on May 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
But it wasn’t just Meghan who struggled with the pressures of royal life. Tensions between Harry and his father, now King Charles III, were also simmering. The release of Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” in 2023 and his subsequent interviews only widened the rift.
Copies of Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare” as seen on January 11, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
In the book and his conversations, Harry is candid about his feelings towards his stepmother, Queen Camilla, whom he described as “the villain” in his parents’ marriage.
King Charles III, Camilla, Queen Consort and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex watch as members of the Bearer Party transfer the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Harry’s portrayal of Camilla caused deep offense, with insiders claiming that King Charles found this criticism “unforgivable.” The harsh words about his beloved wife left Charles hurt, and reconciliation with his son seemed increasingly unlikely.
Queen Camilla at the Royal Maundy Service at Worcester Cathedral in Worcester, England on March 28, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Meghan’s Last Visit to the UK and the Strained Family Dynamics
As the relationship between Harry, Meghan, and the rest of the royal family continued to deteriorate, Meghan’s presence in the United Kingdom became more infrequent. Her last visit to the UK was in September 2022 for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle on September 10, 2022. | Source: Getty Images
Since then, Meghan has not returned to the UK, even skipping King Charles’ coronation in May 2023. This absence only fueled speculation about the strained relationship between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry leave Windsor Castle for an evening reception in Windsor, England, on May 19, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Despite the rift, King Charles reportedly tried to reconnect with Harry and Meghan, especially for the sake of his grandchildren. Sources close to the palace claimed that Charles had invited the couple to visit Balmoral Castle during the summer of 2024, hoping to spend time with his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pose with their newborn son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, on May 8, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
The monarch had only met Lilibet once, during Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022, and had seen Archie only a handful of times. However, despite these invitations, the couple’s strained relationship with the royal family made a full reunion difficult.
Prince William (front row) and Prince Harry (rows behind) with other members of the royal family at King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s Coronation in London, England on May 6, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
In a touching moment during the coronation celebrations in May 2023, King Charles raised a glass in honor of his grandson Archie’s fourth birthday. While it was a heartwarming gesture, Harry had already returned to California to celebrate the occasion with his family.
Meghan remained in the US with Archie and their daughter, Lilibet, organizing a private celebration for their son. Although most royal family members were reportedly relieved at Harry’s absence, Charles was said to have been genuinely disappointed that his son didn’t stay longer.
King Charles III and Prince Harry ahead of the Committal Service for the late Queen Elizabeth II on September 19, 2022, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
The separation between the Prince and the royal family was not just geographical; it was emotional. Every attempt to bridge the gap seemed to fall short, and the bond between Harry and his father continued to fray.
Prince Harry on September 14, 2022, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
As the public speculated about the true reasons behind Prince Harry and Markle’s departure from the royal family, Harry had already provided an answer that stunned many.
King Charles, Prince William, Catherine, Meghan, and Prince Harry arrive for the Royal Family’s traditional Christmas Day service in Sandringham, Norfolk, on December 25, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry’s Shocking Revelations
In his memoir, “Spare,” Harry revealed that their decision to leave the UK was not only about wanting financial independence or the relentless media scrutiny. It was driven by a far more personal and painful reason: fear for their safety.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry during their visit to Columbia in Bogota, Columbia on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
“My wife and I fled this place in fear of our sanity and physical safety,” Harry wrote. Harry shared that the pressures of royal life, particularly the relentless media attacks on Meghan, had pushed them to decide for their mental well-being.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Cartagena during their Colombia tour on August 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
He recounted the unbearable scrutiny Meghan faced from the British tabloids, which he believed put her at risk, both mentally and emotionally. But it wasn’t just the press that made life unbearable for the couple.2
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during day 2 of their Nigeria tour in Abuja, Nigeria on May 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Harry also described the internal struggles within the royal family, recounting conflicts over seemingly trivial matters. This revelation sparked outrage across social media.
Prince Harry in Abuja, Nigeria on May 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Critics took to various platforms to voice their disbelief and frustration, feeling that Harry’s reasons were unjustified. “This is a shameful reason,” one user commented.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on February 14, 2024, in Whistler, British Columbia | Source: Getty Images
Others were quick to suggest that the couple’s struggles were self-inflicted, with one user writing, “They ‘fled’ the UK because she wanted to,” and another adding, “They are never out of reasons!! They brought on the angst themselves!!”
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex are seen on August 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Despite the backlash, Prince Harry stood by his decision to leave, making it clear that his priority was to protect his family, even if it meant cutting ties with the institution that had defined his life for so long.