Meghan & Harry: Why They Left The Royal Family

The departure of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry from the Royal Family, often dubbed "Megxit," sent shockwaves around the globe. This 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 as senior royals? Let's dive into the various factors that led to this historic move.

The Intense Media Scrutiny

One of the primary reasons for Meghan and Harry's departure was the relentless and often negative media coverage. From the moment their relationship became public, Meghan faced intense scrutiny that often crossed the line into harassment and racism. The British tabloids, in particular, were relentless in their criticism, focusing on everything from her biracial heritage to her previous career as an actress. This constant barrage of negativity took a significant toll on Meghan's mental health and well-being.

Prince Harry, having witnessed the devastating impact of media intrusion on his mother, Princess Diana, was fiercely protective of Meghan. He saw history potentially repeating itself and was determined to shield his wife and son from the same fate. The couple felt that the Royal Family was not doing enough to defend them from the unfair and often inaccurate reporting. This lack of support further fueled their desire to seek a different path.

The media's obsession with Meghan and Harry extended beyond mere reporting; it often delved into personal attacks and fabricated stories. This created a hostile environment that made it increasingly difficult for the couple to live a normal life. The constant pressure and scrutiny not only affected their mental health but also strained their relationships with other members of the Royal Family. It's understandable that they felt the need to escape this toxic atmosphere and create a more peaceful and sustainable future for themselves and their son, Archie.

The Desire for Financial Independence

Another key factor in Meghan and Harry's decision was their desire for financial independence. As senior members of the Royal Family, they were largely funded by the Sovereign Grant, which comes from taxpayers. While this arrangement allowed them to carry out their official duties, it also placed restrictions on their ability to earn their own income. Meghan, in particular, had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and wanted to pursue her own projects and ventures.

By stepping down as senior royals, Meghan and Harry gained the freedom to earn a living and pursue their own financial interests. This was a significant departure from the traditional role of royals, who are expected to dedicate their lives to public service without seeking personal financial gain. However, the couple felt that it was important to be financially independent in order to have more control over their lives and careers. This decision allowed them to pursue projects that were meaningful to them, such as their Archewell Foundation, without being constrained by the rules and expectations of the Royal Family.

The pursuit of financial independence also allowed Meghan and Harry to break free from the constraints of the Royal Family's brand. As senior royals, they were expected to adhere to certain standards and protocols, which limited their ability to express their own personalities and pursue their own passions. By becoming financially independent, they gained the freedom to create their own brand and define their own identity.

The Constraints of Royal Life

Royal life, with its rigid protocols and expectations, proved to be another significant challenge for Meghan and Harry. The couple felt stifled by the constraints of the monarchy and longed for a more flexible and autonomous existence. They wanted to be able to pursue their own interests and passions without being constantly bound by royal duties and obligations.

Meghan, in particular, struggled to adapt to the formal and often archaic traditions of the Royal Family. As an American actress with a strong sense of independence, she found it difficult to conform to the strict rules and expectations that governed royal life. She also felt that her voice was not being heard and that her ideas were not being taken seriously. This led to frustration and a growing sense of disconnect from the institution.

Prince Harry, who had grown up within the confines of the monarchy, also felt the need for change. He had witnessed firsthand the toll that royal life could take on individuals and wanted to create a different future for himself and his family. He longed for a more normal life, where he could be a husband and father without the constant scrutiny and pressure of being a senior royal.

The Lack of Support from the Institution

Perhaps one of the most significant factors in Meghan and Harry's decision to leave the Royal Family was their perceived lack of support from the institution itself. The couple felt that they were not being adequately protected from the negative media coverage and that their concerns were not being taken seriously. They also felt that they were being treated differently from other members of the Royal Family, which led to a sense of isolation and resentment.

Meghan, in particular, felt unsupported by the institution. She believed that the Royal Family could have done more to defend her from the racist and sexist attacks she faced in the media. She also felt that her mental health concerns were not being taken seriously. This lack of support left her feeling vulnerable and alone.

Prince Harry, who had always been fiercely loyal to his family, was deeply disappointed by the lack of support that he and Meghan received. He felt that the institution had failed to protect them and that they had been left to fend for themselves. This led to a growing rift between Harry and the rest of the Royal Family.

Moving Forward

Since stepping down as senior royals, Meghan and Harry have embarked on a new chapter in their lives. They have relocated to California, where they are pursuing their own projects and ventures. They have also launched their Archewell Foundation, which focuses on promoting mental health, racial justice, and other important causes.

While their departure from the Royal Family has been controversial, Meghan and Harry have made it clear that they are committed to creating a life that is authentic and meaningful to them. They are determined to use their platform to make a positive impact on the world and to create a better future for their children.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's decision to leave the Royal Family was a complex one, driven by a combination of factors including intense media scrutiny, a desire for financial independence, the constraints of royal life, and a perceived lack of support from the institution. While their departure has been met with mixed reactions, it is clear that they made the decision in order to create a more fulfilling and sustainable future for themselves and their family. Whether you agree with their choices or not, it's hard to deny their courage in forging their own path.