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Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry’s bombshell decision to leave their royal duties and live out of the spotlight with their son Archie likely resulted in some familial tension but, according to one source, “things are in a better space” now. With their final engagements behind them and their official exit date on Mar. 31, it seems that some of the strain between the couple and the royal family has eased.

Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Charles, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attend the Commonwealth Day Service 2020
Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Charles, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall | Phil Harris – WPA Pool/Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan announced their exit plan

It came as a surprise when Prince Harry and Meghan first announced their plan to step back from their royal duties to escape the constant media scrutiny. Queen Elizabeth signed off on their drastic decision, however, meeting with Prince Harry, Prince William, and Prince Charles to hammer out the details.

The Sussexes had to give up their HRH titles and any public funding for the opportunity to live a less stressful life, but the queen supported their decision.

She noted in a statement at the time her understanding of their plan. “Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family. I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life,” the queen shared.

Things were reportedly tense

After Prince Harry confirmed in a 2019 interview that the reports of him and Prince William feuding were true, it was believed that the Sussexes’ exit did nothing to improve their relationship.

At the time, Prince Harry explained, “Part of this role and part of this job and this family being under the pressure that it’s under… inevitably, you know, stuff happens.”

He added: “But, look, we’re brothers. We’ll always be brothers. We’re certainly on different paths at the moment but I will always be there for him and, as I know, he will always be there for me.”

When the Sussexes and the Cambridges were together for Prince Harry and Meghan’s final royal engagement, attending the Commonwealth Day service in March, the tension was evident in their limited interaction and body language.

“It wasn’t the warm reunion that we were all hoping for,” body language expert Judi James told The Mirror. “The tension in Harry’s body language especially was palpable.”

She further analyzed the greetings between the four, sharing, “Harry and Meghan looked a lot more genuinely cheerful, and Harry especially, threw a really affectionate smile at Kate.”

James added, “As they took their seats Harry threw Kate an open-mouthed smile and ‘hello’ of what looked like genuine pleasure and Meghan raised her brows and smiled in an equally friendly ritual.”

She continued, “But when it was William, you could see Harry was slightly more rigid and his lips were closed.”

A source claims that things are better now

While this tension may have peaked as Prince Harry and Meghan were preparing to make their exit, now that they are in Canada and out of the spotlight, it’s believed that their relationship with the royal family is improving.

“Things are in a better space now between the couple and the royal family,” a source told ET. “While of course there have been tensions, the family is getting through it.”

The insider added, “It was a difficult decision for Harry and Meghan. They love their family, but given the relentless onslaught by the media, they did what they thought was right for their family and son.”

“William was unhappy that things weren’t handled privately,” according to the source.

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