Since stepping back from their roles as senior members of the British royal family in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have sparked widespread public interest and debate. Their decision to relocate to the United States, combined with personal disclosures in interviews and a bestselling memoir, has fueled speculation about their relationship with the monarchy. While dramatic headlines have circulated online, this article examines the situation using only verified information from trusted sources such as BBC News, Reuters, The Guardian, and official royal statements—cutting through the noise to provide a fact-based overview of the couple’s transition and ongoing family dynamics.
Stepping Back: The Official Royal Exit
On January 8, 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step back as senior working members of the royal family. The couple shared this announcement via Instagram and their official website, SussexRoyal.com (now archived), stating their intent to become financially independent and split their time between North America and the United Kingdom.
Following discussions with Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and Prince William, the arrangement was formalized. On January 18, 2020, Buckingham Palace released a statement confirming the terms of the departure, which included the couple’s relinquishment of their HRH titles and public funding from the Sovereign Grant.
(Source: BBC News)
The Move to the United States
Shortly after their departure from royal duties, the couple settled in California, where they now reside with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Their move was motivated by a desire for privacy and independence, as Meghan explained during the 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview aired on CBS.
In the interview, Harry and Meghan shared personal accounts of their experience within the royal family, including struggles with mental health, racism, and the pressures of royal life. While the interview drew global attention and sparked strong reactions, it was also one of the first times the couple addressed their challenges publicly.
(Source: CBS Interview Transcript)
Prince Harry’s Memoir: Spare
In January 2023, Prince Harry published his memoir Spare, which became one of the fastest-selling non-fiction books in history. The book provided an introspective look into his life, childhood, military service, and eventual exit from royal duties.
While Spare includes accounts of internal family tensions, none of the verified content supports claims of “verbal annihilation” or hostility beyond Harry’s recounting of his personal experiences. The memoir, published by Penguin Random House, was promoted as a means for Harry to share his side of the story, not to attack or demean.
(Source: Penguin Random House)
Royal Expert Commentary: Analyzing the Public Rift
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, a frequent contributor to Sky News and GB News, has spoken about the ongoing rift between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family. In interviews with Fox News Digital, Fitzwilliams noted that reconciliation appears difficult, citing “very deep wounds” caused by public disclosures and ongoing tensions.
However, Fitzwilliams has not officially stated that Prince Harry is “in exile” or that Meghan is the “dominant partner” in the marriage—claims that have been exaggerated or misrepresented in some online outlets. His verified comments focus on the difficulty of restoring trust, not casting personal judgment.
(Source: Fox News Digital)
Meghan and Harry’s Business Ventures
Since relocating to the U.S., the couple have pursued a number of business ventures, including media production, publishing, and philanthropic efforts. They signed high-profile deals with Netflix and Spotify, with the latter concluding in 2023. Their production company, Archewell Productions, focuses on content that “uplifts and inspires,” according to their official mission statement.
The couple also operate the Archewell Foundation, which supports community initiatives, mental health, and digital literacy. While there have been challenges and media scrutiny surrounding the scale and reach of their business efforts, there is no verified evidence of financial collapse or legal battles related to their U.S.-based operations.
(Source: Archewell Foundation | Netflix)
Family Relations: Still Strained but Not Broken
The couple’s departure and the subsequent public disclosures have led to visible strain with the royal family. According to The Guardian and The Telegraph, the relationship between Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William, remains tense. However, both parties have refrained from making direct public criticisms of one another since the memoir’s release.
During King Charles III’s coronation in May 2023, Prince Harry attended the ceremony alone, while Meghan remained in California with their children. His brief attendance and quick return suggest a complex family dynamic, but not a complete severance.
(Source: The Guardian)
Media Misrepresentation and the Dangers of Misinformation
Terms such as “verbal annihilation” and “self-imposed exile” have circulated widely in online tabloids and unverified social media accounts. These terms are not found in any official records or verified interviews. Media literacy experts encourage readers to rely on established sources like Reuters, BBC, and AP News for accurate reporting.
The rapid spread of misleading narratives contributes to public misunderstanding and polarizes opinion. Reputable platforms such as Reuters Fact Check and BBC Verify actively debunk misinformation related to the royal family and global events.
(Source: Reuters Fact Check | BBC Verify)
A Focus on Purpose-Driven Work
Despite the personal and professional challenges, Prince Harry and Meghan continue to focus on philanthropic and media-related work. Prince Harry recently appeared at the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded service personnel and veterans, which he founded in 2014.
Meghan Markle has re-engaged in public appearances, including promoting initiatives around gender equity, literacy, and women’s empowerment. Their efforts indicate a commitment to building a meaningful life outside of the traditional royal framework.
(Source: Invictus Games Foundation)
Conclusion
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s transition from royal life in the United Kingdom to civilian life in the United States is one of the most high-profile shifts in modern monarchy. While tensions with the royal family remain evident, descriptions such as “exile” and “verbal annihilation” are not substantiated by credible sources.
Instead, the couple has openly shared their reasons for stepping back, expressed a desire for independence, and continue to engage in causes they value. As with any family under public scrutiny, the hope remains that with time, understanding and reconciliation may still be possible.
Sources:
- BBC News – Royal Family
- CBS News – Oprah Interview Transcript
- Penguin Random House – Spare
- The Guardian – Coronation Coverage
- Reuters – Fact Check
- Archewell Foundation
- Invictus Games Foundation
- Fox News – Royal Commentary
- BBC Verify
