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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have taken a lot of heat over their decision to leave the monarchy. With the couple set to become financially independent and live out their days in North America, it’s anyone’s guess what they will do next. Despite all this, there is one royal expert who believes Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was “too good to be true” for the royal family from the very beginning.

Meghan Markle Queen Elizabeth Prince Harry
Queen Elizabeth, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry | Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Royal expert thought Meghan Markle would have to leave alone

Meghan experienced a rough adjustment period after she tied the knot with Harry. Although Meghan came from Hollywood, being in the royal spotlight proved difficult for the Duchess of Sussex.

After battling negative headlines for two years, royal author Hilary Mantel confessed that she was surprised that Meghan left the royal family with Harry at her side. Mantel expected that Harry would remain with his family no matter what the cost.

According to Express, Mantel stated that she thought Meghan Markle would be forced to quit the monarchy without Harry. Luckily, that did not happen and the two have managed to preserve their marriage throughout the Megxit drama.

“I’m pleased that it’s the marriage that’s surviving and the connection with the monarchy that has to go because I think almost all of us would have bet that if she [the Duchess of Sussex] left, she’d have to leave alone,” Mantel explained.

Meghan and Harry announced their departure at the beginning of the year. The move shocked royal watchers around the world, and the rest of the royals are still dealing with the fallout. This includes taking on more responsibilities and doing their best to move past the drama.

Queen Elizabeth says Harry and Meghan are always welcome back

Although Meghan and Harry’s decision has rocked the royal family, this might not be the end of the road for the couple.

Inside sources claim that Queen Elizabeth hosted a lunch with Harry this past week, where she discussed the possibility of him returning to his royal duties at a later date. The two allegedly met for over four hours, with Her Majesty assuring Harry that he is always welcome back.

“The Queen had a lot to talk to Harry about and this was the ideal time for them to both say their piece,” the insider stated. “When Harry and Meghan announced they wanted to quit it all happened very quickly and it was very stressful for all concerned.”

The lunch meeting comes weeks after Buckingham Palace confirmed that Harry and Meghan are no longer going to use their royal titles. This means that the couple will have to end their charitable foundation, Sussex Royal, starting on March 31.

Harry has not commented on the reports surrounding his current visit to the UK. He and Meghan are scheduled to appear at the Commonwealth Day service next week in what will be one of their final public appearances as members of the royal family.

Was Meghan Markle too good to be true?

As part of their plan to leave the monarchy, Harry and Meghan will be spending most of their time in North America as they seek to become financially independent from the crown. The two have not revealed where they plan on moving in North America, though Canada, Los Angeles, and New York City are likely landing spots.

There is still a lot of mystery regarding the logistics of Harry and Meghan’s exit. But as far as Mantel is concerned, the couple’s decision to leave was bound to happen from the very start.

“I think that Meghan Markle was too good to be true,” Mantel shared. “She was a smiling face in a dull institution, she cheered the nation up no end, or at least men and women of goodwill.”

The Duchess of Sussex has been spending the past few months in a rental house on Vancouver Island with her and Harry’s son, Archie Harrison. She recently returned to the UK for a round of public appearances with Harry, though she reportedly left Archie back in Canada.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex return to the U.K.

With Harry and Meghan back in the United Kingdom, royal watchers are eager to see them return to action one last time. The Duchess of Sussex has a few public appearances lined up, including the Endeavor Fund Awards, followed by the Mountbatten Festival of Music this weekend.

Next week, the Sussexes will appear at the Commonwealth Day service, which is being held at Westminster Abbey. Several members of the royal family are scheduled to attend, including Prince Charles, Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince William, and Kate Middleton.

This will likely be the last time we see the Sussexes and the Cambridges at a royal event for quite a while. Once Harry and Meghan’s exit becomes official on March 31, they will no longer appear in public on behalf of Queen Elizabeth.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not commented on the many reports surrounding their decision to leave the royal family.