On January 8th, 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle, announced their decision to step back as senior members of the British royal family. The news sent shockwaves around  the world and many wondered why Prince Harry would leave his birthright, royal duties, and family.

The Struggle of Royal Life

Prince Harry has been a prominent figure in the royal family since birth. Being the son of Princess Diana and Prince Charles, he was thrust into the spotlight from an early age. He has often spoken about the difficulties of growing up in the public eye, losing his mother at a young age, and the toll it has taken on his mental health.

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As a senior member of the royal family, Prince Harry was expected to follow strict protocols and fulfill the duties that came with his position. However, this came at a cost. He has often talked about feeling trapped and suffocated by the constraints of royal life. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, he said he felt like a "caged animal."

The Impact of the Media

The media scrutiny and relentless paparazzi have been a constant battle for Prince Harry and his family. From a young age, he has witnessed the devastating consequences of press intrusion, culminating in his mother's tragic death. The media's treatment of his wife, Meghan Markle, was no different, with constant negative headlines, racist remarks, and outright lies.

In a statement announcing their decision to step back, the couple cited the media's intrusion and the lack of support from the royal family as significant factors in their decision. They said constant scrutiny had taken a "painful toll" on their mental health and well-being.

Netflix/ Screenshot | The couple cites media intrusion and lack of support from the royal family as reasons for stepping back

The Royal Rift

Another crucial factor in Prince Harry's decision to leave the family was the reported tension between him and his older brother, Prince William. Rumors of a rift between the two brothers had been circulating for years, but it came to a head when Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step back from royal duties.

The couple's decision reportedly blindsided the royal family, with senior members expressing their disappointment and concern. The ensuing fallout strained the brothers' relationship, with rumors of arguments and hurt feelings.

Pop Sugar/ Shutterstock | The brothers' relationship strained as rumors of a royal rift surface

A New Life in America

In March 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle officially stepped down as senior members of the royal family and moved to the United States. Since then, they have been carving out a new life away from the spotlight and constraints of royal life.

The couple has vocalized their desire for privacy and focus on family. They have started their charitable foundation, Archewell, and are working on several projects, including a Netflix deal and a podcast series. They have also spoken on social issues, including mental health, racial inequality, and women's rights.