This article delves into the latest news surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, analyzing their journey, their public image, and the impact of their choices on both sides of the Atlantic.
The Exit from Royal Life: A Historic Moment
In January 2020, Harry and Meghan made the bombshell announcement that they would “step back” from their roles as senior royals, a decision that sent shockwaves through the United Kingdom and beyond. The media dubbed the move “Megxit,” and the couple’s reasons for leaving included a desire for financial independence and more control over their private lives.
The Reason Behind the Exit
At the core of their decision was a deep dissatisfaction with the intense media scrutiny they faced, especially in the British tabloid press. Meghan, in particular, endured what many viewed as biased and often racially charged coverage. Both Harry and Meghan have spoken publicly about the toll this took on their mental health, with Harry comparing the situation to the treatment his mother, Princess Diana, faced before her tragic death.
Reactions from the Royal Family
The announcement also led to intense speculation about the relationship between Harry and his family, particularly with his brother, Prince William, and grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. Initial statements from Buckingham Palace expressed sadness over the couple’s decision but emphasized that they would always remain beloved members of the family. However, the transition was not without its complexities, as the couple had to relinquish their HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) titles and step away from their official duties.
Life in America: Building a New Identity
Harry and Meghan’s move to California marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, one focused on raising their family and pursuing their personal and professional ambitions.
Settling in Montecito
After spending some time in Canada, the couple settled in Montecito, California, a wealthy enclave known for its celebrity residents. Their home—a sprawling mansion with lush gardens and panoramic views—became a symbol of their desire for privacy and serenity. Montecito offers a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of royal life in the UK, allowing the couple to focus on raising their two children, Archie and Lilibet, away from the constant glare of the media.
A Focus on Philanthropy
While they may have left the royal spotlight, Harry and Meghan have not abandoned their commitment to philanthropy. The couple launched the Archewell Foundation in 2020, with a focus on promoting positive cultural change. Through the foundation, they’ve partnered with various organizations to support causes close to their hearts, including mental health advocacy, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.
Their philanthropic work is often intertwined with their personal passions. For example, Harry’s long-standing involvement in supporting veterans has continued through Archewell, while Meghan’s advocacy for gender equity and education has found new platforms in the United States.
The Oprah Winfrey Interview: A Turning Point
Arguably one of the most explosive moments in Harry and Meghan’s post-royal life came in March 2021, when they sat down with Oprah Winfrey for a tell-all interview. The two-hour special was watched by millions around the world and revealed a number of startling details about their time in the royal family.
Key Revelations
The interview was filled with bombshell moments, including Meghan’s admission that she had struggled with suicidal thoughts while pregnant with Archie due to the relentless pressure from the British press and the isolation she felt within the royal institution. Meghan also alleged that there were “concerns and conversations” about how dark Archie’s skin would be when he was born—a comment that sparked widespread accusations of racism within the royal family.
Harry, for his part, opened up about the strained relationship with his father, Prince Charles, and his brother, Prince William. He revealed that he felt “trapped” in royal life and expressed relief that he had been able to step away for the sake of his mental health and his family’s well-being.
Global Reactions
The Oprah interview intensified the media frenzy surrounding Harry and Meghan, with responses varying across the spectrum. In the U.S., many expressed sympathy for the couple and praised their candor, especially regarding issues of mental health and racism. However, in the UK, reactions were more divided, with some criticizing the couple for airing their grievances so publicly while others echoed their concerns.
The Archewell Ventures: Hollywood Beckons
Since moving to the United States, Harry and Meghan have pursued numerous business ventures, particularly in the entertainment industry. Their move into Hollywood has sparked both curiosity and skepticism, as they seek to carve out a new space for themselves in a competitive field.
Netflix and Spotify Deals
In September 2020, it was announced that Harry and Meghan had signed a multi-year deal with Netflix, said to be worth up to $100 million. Through this partnership, the couple is set to produce documentaries, feature films, scripted television, and children’s programming. The goal, according to the couple, is to create content that “informs but also gives hope.”
In addition to Netflix, Harry and Meghan have also signed a deal with Spotify to produce podcasts under their Archewell Audio brand. Their first podcast episode, released in December 2020, featured conversations with high-profile guests like Sir Elton John and Dr. Brené Brown, and focused on themes of reflection and hope as the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘Heart of Invictus’: A Project Close to Harry’s Heart
One of the most anticipated projects under their Netflix deal is “Heart of Invictus,” a documentary series that follows the stories of competitors in the Invictus Games—a Paralympic-style event for wounded service members and veterans, founded by Harry in 2014. The series reflects Harry’s continued commitment to supporting military veterans and raising awareness about their struggles and triumphs.
Challenges and Criticism
Despite their efforts to build a new life, Harry and Meghan continue to face criticism from various quarters. The tension between public and private life remains a recurring theme, as many question the couple’s decision to speak out about their experiences while also seeking more privacy.
Media Relations: A Double-Edged Sword
One of the main sources of criticism directed at the couple revolves around their relationship with the media. While Harry and Meghan have repeatedly called out the press for invading their privacy, their high-profile interviews and deals with media companies like Netflix and Spotify have led some to accuse them of hypocrisy.
Their legal battles with the press have also continued in the U.S. and the UK, with Meghan recently winning a lawsuit against the publisher of the Mail on Sunday for publishing a private letter she wrote to her estranged father.
Strained Family Ties
The ongoing rift between Harry and his family, particularly with Prince William, remains a subject of speculation and media attention. While the brothers were seen together at the funeral of their grandfather, Prince Philip, in 2021, there is little evidence to suggest that their relationship has fully healed.
The couple’s absence from key royal events, including the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II, has further fueled speculation about the state of their relationship with the royal family.
Harry’s Memoir: Another Bombshell on the Horizon?
In July 2021, it was announced that Prince Harry is working on an “intimate and heartfelt” memoir, set to be released in 2022. The book, to be published by Penguin Random House, promises to cover Harry’s life from his early childhood in the public eye to his military service and his experiences as a husband and father.
Anticipation and Anxiety
While details of the memoir remain scarce, there is no doubt that it will stir up even more headlines when it hits the shelves. The British royal family is said to be bracing for the revelations Harry might make in the book, particularly in regard to the relationships and events that led to his departure from royal life.
Meghan’s Political Aspirations?
There has been ongoing speculation that Meghan may one day pursue a political career in the U.S. She has been increasingly vocal about political and social issues, particularly in the realm of women’s rights and racial equality. While she has not confirmed any plans to enter politics, her activism and influence have led many to wonder if a political career is on the horizon.
The story of Harry and Meghan is one of reinvention, resilience, and defiance in the face of adversity. Their journey from royal life in the UK to building an independent existence in the U.S. has captivated the world, sparking both admiration and criticism. As they continue to make headlines with their philanthropic work, media ventures, and personal revelations, one thing remains clear: the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are determined to write their own story, on their own terms. Whether they are building new media empires, advocating for causes they care about, or navigating family dynamics, Harry and Meghan’s lives will continue to be a source of global fascination for years to come.
