Why Harry and Meghan Left and How They’re Supporting Themselves

Why Harry and Meghan Left and How They’re Supporting Themselves

From Royal Duties to Californian Business Ventures – The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s New Chapter

The departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from the Royal Family in 2020 marked one of the most talked-about moments in recent history. Citing frustration with media intrusion and the limitations imposed by the palace, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex took a significant step back from their royal roles and began building new lives in the United States. But why exactly did they leave, and how are they funding their lifestyle in sunny California?

Why Did Harry and Meghan Leave the Royal Family?

In January 2020, Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step back as senior royals, a move that shocked both the public and the Royal Family. While the pair had been under intense media scrutiny since their relationship became public in 2016, it was the constant press intrusion and limitations on their ability to create their own brand, SussexRoyal, that pushed them to make the difficult decision.

Despite stepping down, Harry retains his title as a prince and remains fifth in line to the throne. The couple also kept their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles, although they are no longer addressed as His or Her Royal Highness (HRH). Additionally, Harry relinquished his honorary military titles, a painful sacrifice for the Duke, who has always been passionate about supporting the armed forces.

Their departure has often been attributed to the couple’s desire for more autonomy, as they struggled with the rigid expectations of royal life. Since leaving the UK, Harry and Meghan have made it clear that their decision was motivated by the need to protect their family, particularly their children, Archie and Lilibet, from the relentless glare of the media.

Are Harry and Meghan in California Now?

In June 2020, Harry and Meghan made the move to California, seeking a quieter life in which they could raise their children away from the relentless UK media spotlight. Their daughter, Lilibet, was born in the US in 2021. However, despite their relocation, they have returned to the UK on several occasions, often for key royal events, such as Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 and her funeral later that year.

Their official UK residence, Frogmore Cottage, was a wedding gift from Queen Elizabeth II, but by early 2023, the couple had been asked to vacate the property. This move formalised their break from the UK, and documents filed in April 2024 listed Harry’s primary residence as the United States.

Despite speculation that Prince Harry might be considering a phased return to the UK, sources close to him have confirmed that he intends to remain based in the US, largely due to concerns about the security arrangements for his family. Questions about his US immigration status have also been raised, particularly in light of Harry’s previous admissions of drug use. However, in September 2024, a US judge ruled that Harry’s visa records would remain private.

How Do Harry and Meghan Earn Their Money?

When Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals, they lost access to the Sovereign Grant, which had previously covered 5% of their income. The majority of their funding had come from Harry’s father, King Charles (then the Prince of Wales), who provided them with a substantial financial sum to help them transition into their new lives. The couple have since embarked on various ventures to support themselves, with a focus on philanthropy, media, and business.

In 2020, they founded Archewell, a charitable organisation that serves as the hub of their philanthropic and media work. Archewell Productions, a subsidiary of the foundation, signed a multimillion-dollar deal with Netflix, producing content that aligns with the couple’s values. In 2024, two new series were announced, one focused on cooking, gardening, and friendship, and another delving into the world of professional polo.

They have also dabbled in podcasting, signing a deal with Spotify worth $25m, although that partnership ended in June 2023. However, Meghan has continued in this space, securing a new podcast deal with Lemonada Media in early 2024.

Harry has also earned a significant sum from his memoir, Spare, which was released in January 2023 and sold nearly half a million copies in its first week. The book offers a deeply personal account of his relationship with his family, his grief over the loss of his mother, Princess Diana, and his time in the military. A portion of the proceeds from the book were donated to charities such as Sentebale and WellChild.

What’s Meghan’s Lifestyle Brand

In March 2024, Meghan launched her own lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. While details remain sparse, the brand is thought to focus on high-quality food products, with pictures of branded jam jars circulating online in April. A retro-style promotional video shared on Instagram showed Meghan in a kitchen, stirring a pot, suggesting a hands-on approach to the venture. American Riviera Orchard is expected to cater to those seeking organic and artisanal goods, reflecting the Duchess’s interest in health and wellness.

What are Harry and Meghan’s Ongoing Legal Battles?

Despite their attempts to build new lives, Harry’s battle with the media continues. He has been involved in multiple court cases against various UK tabloid publishers, including a phone-hacking claim against Mirror Group Newspapers, which was settled in February 2024 for “substantial damages.” The prince has also taken legal action against The Sun’s publisher, News Group Newspapers, and the Daily Mail’s publisher, Associated Newspapers, accusing them of unlawfully obtaining private information.

Harry’s fight for security arrangements in the UK has been another major issue. After stepping back from royal duties, the couple were no longer entitled to the same level of security provided to senior members of the Royal Family. This prompted Harry to take the UK government to court, arguing that it was unsafe for his family to visit the country without adequate protection. Although his request to privately fund police protection was denied, he was granted permission in June 2024 to challenge the decision in the Court of Appeal.

What’s Next for Harry and Meghan?

Despite speculation about their future, Harry and Meghan seem committed to their new lives in the US. With their media ventures expanding and Meghan’s new lifestyle brand gaining attention, the couple are moving forward with a focus on business and philanthropy. However, with ongoing legal battles and occasional returns to the UK for family matters, their journey is far from over.

As they continue to balance their responsibilities as parents, philanthropists, and media personalities, the world remains keenly interested in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s next steps. Whether they’ll ever fully return to the UK or remain in the US for good, Harry and Meghan’s lives are destined to stay in the spotlight.

Navigating the Challenges of Fame and Family

One of the most significant aspects of Harry and Meghan’s new life is the constant interplay between their celebrity status and their responsibilities as parents. The couple has frequently voiced their commitment to providing a nurturing environment for their children, away from the media scrutiny that has plagued them. This protective instinct is a driving force behind their decisions, as evidenced by their relocation and their advocacy for privacy.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have repeatedly highlighted the need for a balance between public interest and personal privacy. They have taken steps to limit the exposure of their children to the media, requesting that pictures of Archie and Lilibet be kept out of the public eye whenever possible. This has drawn mixed reactions, with some applauding their efforts to safeguard their family and others questioning whether their high-profile lifestyle contradicts their calls for privacy.

Harry and Meghan's Impact on the Royal Family

The fallout from Harry and Meghan’s departure has also had profound implications for the Royal Family. Their exit prompted a broader discussion about the role of the monarchy in contemporary society and the pressures faced by younger royals. As public interest in the couple’s lives remains high, it has raised questions about the future of the monarchy and how it adapts to changing public sentiments.

The ongoing rift between Harry and his family has been widely scrutinised. Reports of strained relationships with his brother, Prince William, and father, King Charles, suggest that their departure has left lasting scars. While the brothers have occasionally reunited for family events, such as the memorial service for Lord Robert Fellowes in August, insiders have indicated that communication remains minimal. Harry’s absence at key royal events, including the King’s coronation in May 2023, further underscores the complexities of their relationship.

Public Reception and Media Portrayal

The couple’s media portrayal has often been polarised. Supporters view them as advocates for mental health, social justice, and racial equality, using their platform to highlight important issues. Their documentaries and public statements have sparked conversations around mental health awareness, the pressures of public life, and the importance of charitable work.

Conversely, critics argue that their actions, including high-profile media deals and public pronouncements, contradict their claims of seeking privacy. This dichotomy has fuelled ongoing debates about the couple’s motives and the authenticity of their messages.

Despite this mixed reception, Harry and Meghan’s influence is undeniable. Their ventures in business and philanthropy have sparked interest and inspired a new generation of activists and entrepreneurs.

What Lies Ahead for the Sussexes?

Looking forward, Harry and Meghan seem poised to continue building their brand and legacy in the United States. With a focus on philanthropy, lifestyle branding, and media production, they are redefining what it means to be royals outside of traditional duties. Their ventures not only provide financial support but also allow them to advocate for causes they are passionate about.

Their lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, may evolve into a significant player in the wellness and lifestyle sector, while Archewell continues to create impactful content that resonates with a global audience. Their storytelling through documentaries and podcasts will likely further explore themes of mental health, personal growth, and social justice, providing a platform for dialogues that align with their vision.

As they navigate the complexities of fame, family, and financial independence, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain under the watchful eyes of the public and the media. Their journey continues to be one of resilience and reinvention, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that come with redefining one’s identity in the face of adversity.

The Legacy of Harry and Meghan

In a world captivated by royal intrigue and celebrity culture, Harry and Meghan’s departure from the Royal Family serves as a powerful narrative about choice and autonomy. Their journey reflects broader societal changes, inviting discussions on privacy, mental health, and the impact of media on personal lives.

As they move forward, the couple embodies the dualities of modern celebrity: the desire for public engagement balanced against the need for private life. Their story is one of seeking freedom while managing the weight of their past, and as they continue to carve out their space in the world, many will be watching closely to see what comes next for the Sussexes.

Whether they will eventually reconcile fully with the Royal Family or continue to carve their own path remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: Harry and Meghan are determined to shape their narrative, wielding their influence in ways that align with their values and vision for the future.

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