Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left the Firm behind to pursue an independent life in the US four years ago. A royal expert has given his take on why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left the Royal Family as he claimed they were looking to make more money.
Since they stepped down as working royals in 2020, Harry and Meghan have forged partnerships and deals with a number of brands, with Meghan’s new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard being announced last week. Speaking on Palace Confidential, the Daily Mail’s Richard Eden said: “We’ve started to see Harry and Meghan’s plans taking shape over the past week. “And the lifestyle website is a big part of that. Let’s look back, the real reason that Harry and Meghan quit the Royal Family was money.” When countered that the couple had claimed it was about “privacy”, he added: “Money was the big motivation and that’s what Queen Elizabeth couldn’t tolerate.”
In January 2020 Harry and Meghan sent shockwaves around the world when they released a statement explaining that they had chosen to leave royal life behind. Following a 12-month review period, in 2021 it was confirmed that the Duke and Duchess would indeed be staying put in California and not return to the UK. The statement read: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of the Royal Family. “Following conversations with the Duke, the Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of the Royal Family, it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.”
It was revealed earlier this year that Harry soon “regretted” the initial statement put out in 2020, as it was done without speaking with the late Queen Elizabeth. A source said at the time: “I don’t think he fully appreciated the impact the statement would have in terms of them not consulting the Queen. He regrets that.” Speculation has been mounting that Harry and Meghan are now looking to spend more time in the UK, with the Duchess even reportedly a British PR guru to help her image.
Megan Boyle, Head of Digital PR at TAL Agency, told Express.co.uk how she would advise Meghan to best relaunch herself in Britain following her departure. She said: “If I was Meghan’s PR, then these are the areas I would really lean into. Of course, it’s clear Meghan wants to stay away from TV and film, but there’s plenty more for her to work on. “She’s already involved with a huge amount of charities and international causes – which is a key area to work on – especially as the spotlight looks more towards those with power, influence and money to make a difference in the world.”
