Since the moment Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, revealed on Instagram in 2020 that they were reducing their royal roles, an announcement informally referred to as “Megxit,” their relationship with the royal family has been strained. They currently possess brand partnerships and several Netflix series, and this quest for wealth, as noted by royal expert Peter Hunt, conflicts with the House of Windsor and the monarchy’s image. In the documentary “Harry & Megan: The Great Divide” (according to Real Royalty), he mentions that the couple from California would be “having their cake and eating it” as well.
The couple currently resides in California with their two kids, Archie and Lilibet, and seems to have been left out and marginalized from several royal family occasions. This involves being excluded from balcony events, not receiving invitations to Christmas retreats with the royal family, and Harry being ignored when inquiring about his father’s health, as the king was diagnosed with cancer in 2024. “An anonymous friend of Harry informed People, ‘He has attempted to inquire about the king’s health, but those calls also go unanswered.'”
In the meantime, the global community is attentively monitoring news regarding the health of the British monarch. Although Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice maintain that King Charles III is in good health, sources informed InTouch in early 2024 that he has only a few years left to live, suggesting that Prince William’s reign may be imminent. The two brothers, however, have seemingly been on poor terms for many years; significant issues in William and Harry’s relationship were evident well before Meghan joined the family. Harry has been open about their disagreements, particularly in interviews, his book “Spare,” and his Netflix series with Meghan. So, in what ways will Harry and Meghan’s lives be affected when William ascends to the throne?
It is not far-fetched to think that Prince William might be seething over Prince Harry’s claims in his book “Spare” about him mocking his panic attacks, striking him, and labeling Meghan Markle as “rude.” However, this isn’t the sole reason the Sussexes may be excluded from significant royal occasions during William’s rule; he is recognized for supporting a “slimmed-down” royal framework, meaning he emphasizes those engaged in public responsibilities, according to the Daily Mail. Furthermore, the future monarch may take inspiration from King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II, who have exercised caution regarding royal titles. Monarchs bestow, modify, or deny titles based on tradition or societal views; failing to do so might undermine the institution’s prestige, and William may utilize these powers unexpectedly.
A notable instance was Prince Andrew’s legal issues following accusations of sexual abuse from Virginia Giuffre, who was a minor sex trafficking victim at Jeffrey Epstein’s private island, where he had been convicted of felony crimes. Elizabeth, his mother, stripped him of his honorary military titles and ordered him to cease using “His Royal Highness” officially, a style that Harry and Meghan have also abandoned, although they continue to use their Duke and Duchess of Sussex designations. If William chooses to ease his bond with his brother — either out of a true personal interest or as a public relations strategy — he might give the Sussexes ceremonial positions to uphold public unity.
Nevertheless, even in that improbable scenario, the Sussexes may not be engaged. Despite being aware that his brother was destined to be king, Harry still opted to disclose their disagreements. Additionally, his and Meghan’s withdrawal from their royal responsibilities was not a hasty choice. Elizabeth provided them with a complete year to rethink their plans prior to making the ultimate decision, yet Harry and Meghan ultimately chose to depart.
The monarchy should closely monitor public opinion, as it could affect the future inclusion or exclusion of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. A 2024 poll revealed that under 30% of the British public supported the Runaway Royals (via IPSOS), which explains why King Charles, Queen Camilla, and William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales did not attend the christening of the Sussexes’ daughter Lilibet last year, even though People reported that both couples were invited to the ceremony. Nonetheless, before they announced their departure in 2019, the Sussexes had quite favorable ratings in the UK, and who can predict that they won’t restore their image over time? Ultimately, William is expected to reign for three to five decades if he lives as long as his grandfather Prince Philip, and public opinion in Britain regarding Harry and Meghan and the monarchy may evolve over that time.
