Prince Harry Was the Driving Force Behind the Sussexes' Royal Exit
While some corners of the media rushed to pin the blame on Meghan, sources close to Harry stress he'd wanted to step down for quite some time.
- Friday marks one year since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced they were stepping down as senior royals.
- While some corners of the media rushed to pin the blame on Meghan, sources close to Harry stress he'd wanted to step down for quite some time.
- "It came to the point where he wanted a different way of life," an insider told Vanity Fair. "Meghan was simply the catalyst."
Friday, January 8, marks one year since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's bombshell announcement that they were stepping down as senior royals—and thus about one year since tabloids started using the phrase "Megxit," which, it turns out, is a pretty inaccurate and unfair way to describe the move. While some corners of the media rushed to pin the blame on Meghan, a source close to Harry revealed that the Sussexes' royal exit was actually his idea.
"It came to the point where he wanted a different way of life," an insider explained to Vanity Fair. "Meghan was simply the catalyst." Probably time to retire "Megxit" for good, wouldn't you agree?
A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal)
A photo posted by on
Vanity Fair also revealed that the Sussexes' shock announcement was not how Meghan and Harry wanted things to go. Royal historian Robert Lacey told the magazine, "Harry and Meghan had put a great deal of thought into trying to create something that would work for both sides, but that was all blown when their plans were leaked to the press."
"Harry was trying to get Charles, William, and the queen to approve a plan, which they wanted in writing. Harry wanted to talk face-to-face because he was worried it would leak," Lacey continued. "Reluctantly, he did put it in writing, it did leak, and that led to the Sussexes making the announcement."
A year later, Meghan and Harry are reportedly stronger than ever, despite a painful 2020 in which Meghan experienced a miscarriage and both pursued legal action over press intrusion and inaccurate stories. Finding Freedom author Omid Scobie told Vanity Fair, "They’ve proved that they can master the challenge when it comes their way."
"When you look at everything they’ve faced, nothing has gone to plan but they’ve remained positive," Scobie continued, "and it’s the support they give each other that gets them through."
RELATED STORIES
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.
-
Queen Mary of Denmark Was Hit By a Scooter While Visiting Greenland
Video of the accident was shared on TikTok.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Every Pet Owner Needs This Holy-Grail Service
Sponsor Content Created With Dutch
By Emma Walsh Published
-
17 Chic Pieces for Transitional Dressing Made Easy
Including a Katie Holmes-approved jacket for $400 off.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Royals, Paul McCartney, Nicola Coughlan, Salma Hayek... Was Taylor Swift's London Eras Tour Her Most Star-Studded Yet?
Imagine all the people........
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Kate Middleton Confirms She Will Attend Trooping the Colour in a Heartfelt Update on Her Cancer Treatment
"I am making good progress."
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published