Meghan & Harry: Why They Left The Royal Family
The departure of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry from the royal family, often referred to as "Megxit," sent shockwaves around the globe. The decision, announced in January 2020, marked a significant turning point for the couple and the British monarchy. But why did they choose to step down from their roles as senior royals? Let's dive deep into the reasons behind this historic move.
The Initial Announcement
In early 2020, Meghan and Harry released a statement expressing their intention to step back as senior members of the royal family. They outlined their plan to become financially independent while continuing to support the Queen. This announcement was unprecedented in modern royal history and signaled a desire for a different kind of life, one where they could balance royal duties with personal freedom. The initial statement highlighted their ambition to carve out a “progressive new role” within the institution.
Reasons Behind the Departure
Several factors contributed to Meghan and Harry's decision to leave the royal family. Understanding these reasons requires looking at both personal and institutional challenges they faced.
Media Intrusion and Scrutiny
One of the primary reasons for their departure was the intense and often negative media coverage. From the moment their relationship became public, Meghan Markle faced relentless scrutiny and criticism. The British tabloids, in particular, were accused of racist and sexist reporting. Meghan, an American actress with a biracial background, was often portrayed in a negative light, with stories focusing on her family, her past, and her perceived breaches of royal protocol. This constant barrage of negative press took a significant toll on Meghan's mental health and well-being. Harry, having witnessed the impact of media intrusion on his mother, Princess Diana, was determined to protect his wife and family from similar harm. The couple felt unsupported by the royal institution in their efforts to combat these negative narratives.
Desire for Financial Independence
Another key factor was their desire to become financially independent. As senior royals, Meghan and Harry's lives were largely funded by the Sovereign Grant, which is public money. They wanted to break free from these financial constraints and pursue their own charitable and business ventures. This desire for financial independence was tied to their broader ambition to have more control over their lives and careers. They envisioned a future where they could earn their own income and support causes they believed in without being bound by royal protocols and restrictions. This pursuit of financial autonomy was not merely about personal enrichment but about creating a platform for their philanthropic endeavors.
Restrictions and Protocols
The rigid protocols and restrictions of royal life also played a significant role in their decision. As senior royals, Meghan and Harry were bound by numerous rules and traditions that dictated everything from what they could say and do in public to what kinds of projects they could undertake. These limitations stifled their creativity and prevented them from fully pursuing their passions. Meghan, in particular, struggled with the constraints placed on her, having come from a background where she had more freedom and autonomy. The couple felt that these restrictions were hindering their ability to make a meaningful impact and were out of sync with their values and goals.
Lack of Support from the Institution
Meghan and Harry also felt a lack of support from the royal institution. They believed that the institution was not doing enough to protect them from the negative media coverage and was resistant to their efforts to modernize and innovate. This sense of isolation and lack of support contributed to their growing dissatisfaction with royal life. They felt that their ideas and initiatives were often dismissed or overlooked, and that they were not being given the opportunity to make the contributions they desired. This perceived lack of support further fueled their desire to step back and create a new path for themselves.
The Agreement with the Royal Family
After several weeks of negotiations, Meghan and Harry reached an agreement with the Queen and other senior royals regarding their departure. This agreement, often referred to as the “Sandringham Summit agreement,” outlined the terms of their exit and their future relationship with the royal family.
Key Terms of the Agreement
Under the agreement, Meghan and Harry agreed to relinquish their titles of His/Her Royal Highness (HRH) and would no longer be referred to as such. They also stepped down from their roles as senior working royals and ceased to represent the Queen in official engagements. In return, they were granted the freedom to pursue their own careers and charitable endeavors without the constraints of royal protocol. However, they also agreed to no longer receive public funds for their work and to repay the money spent on the renovation of their UK home, Frogmore Cottage.
Transition Period
The agreement included a transition period to allow Meghan and Harry to gradually adjust to their new roles. During this period, they split their time between the UK and North America as they worked to establish their new foundation, Archewell. The transition period also allowed the royal family to adapt to the couple's departure and to redefine the roles and responsibilities of other senior royals.
Life After Stepping Down
Since stepping down as senior royals, Meghan and Harry have embarked on a new chapter in their lives. They have relocated to California and have launched several successful ventures, including their Archewell Foundation, which focuses on promoting mental health, racial justice, and other social causes.
Archewell Foundation
The Archewell Foundation has become a central part of Meghan and Harry's post-royal life. Through the foundation, they have supported numerous initiatives and organizations working to address critical social issues. The foundation's work reflects their commitment to making a positive impact on the world and using their platform to advocate for those in need.
Business Ventures
Meghan and Harry have also pursued various business ventures, including partnerships with Netflix and Spotify. These ventures have allowed them to produce documentaries, podcasts, and other content that reflects their values and interests. Their production company, Archewell Productions, aims to create stories that entertain, inform, and inspire.
Personal Life
In their personal lives, Meghan and Harry have focused on raising their children, Archie and Lilibet, and building a stable and happy family life. They have sought to create a more private and protected environment for their children, away from the intense media scrutiny they experienced as working royals. This focus on family has been a priority for the couple as they navigate their new lives.
Public Reaction and Legacy
The departure of Meghan and Harry from the royal family has had a lasting impact on the monarchy and has sparked widespread debate about the future of the institution. Public reaction to their decision has been mixed, with some expressing support for their desire for independence and others criticizing them for turning their backs on their royal duties.
Impact on the Monarchy
Meghan and Harry's departure has forced the royal family to confront important questions about its relevance in the 21st century. The monarchy has had to adapt to changing social norms and expectations and to consider how to modernize its image and practices. The departure has also led to a redistribution of royal duties and responsibilities among the remaining senior royals.
Public Perception
Public perception of Meghan and Harry has varied widely since their departure. While some view them as courageous individuals who stood up for their beliefs, others see them as selfish and disloyal. Their decision to speak openly about their experiences within the royal family has further fueled public debate and has raised questions about the institution's transparency and accountability.
A Lasting Legacy
Regardless of public opinion, Meghan and Harry's departure has left a lasting legacy. They have challenged the traditional norms of the monarchy and have paved the way for a new generation of royals who may seek to balance their duties with their personal aspirations. Their story has resonated with many people around the world who value independence, authenticity, and the pursuit of happiness. In the end Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made a momentous decision.