Will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Regret Leaving the Royal Family?
It’s a big step for Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex to leave their life as royals behind, as Harry shared their decision was not made lightly. The couple felt they had no other option for a peaceful life, but will they regret their decision? One royal expert shares why the couple may find the grass isn’t greener on the other side.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are giving up the royal life
After intense media and public scrutiny and the emotional interviews they gave for their documentary, it shouldn’t have been so surprising that Prince Harry and Meghan would announce they wanted to exit the royal family.
Queen Elizabeth worked to iron out the specifics and shared her support of their decision in a statement that noted: “Following many months of conversations and more recent discussions, I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family.
She continued: “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… It is my whole family’s hope that today’s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.”
The Sussexes felt there “was no other option”
The couple are giving up their HRH titles and any public funding as they transition to a life in Canada, a decision Prince Harry called their only option.
During a speech he gave at a London charity dinner, Prince Harry shared: “It brings me great sadness that it has come to this. The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly. It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges.
He added: “And I know I haven’t always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option.”
Will they regret the decision?
They’ve given up their royal duties and Prince Harry had to give up his military titles, plus they’ll be repaying the taxpayer money used to refurbish their Frogmore Cottage home. There were sacrifices made, but they will keep their own private patronages and associations.
One royal commentator believes that Prince Harry may come to miss the old life he had. Richard Fitzwilliams told Express: “Although the agreement will be reviewed in a year’s time the Sussexes have, in reality, been exiled.”
He continued: “They are, however, among the most famous couples in the world and, as we are already seeing, an intrusive media cannot have enough of them.”
He shared: “Independence has its price! They may have a meteoric rise with top Hollywood celebrities to back them, but they will always be followed by the press. Meghan may be in her element, Harry may prove totally adaptable but he also could miss what he has given up.”
Fitzwilliams further claimed that Prince Harry’s “loss of his military links will “deeply upset Harry.” The expert noted, “Since he can no longer wear uniform, this is something he will feel deeply.”
