Harry And Meghan: When Did They Quit The Royal Family?

The departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from their roles as senior members of the Royal Family, often referred to as "Megxit," was a significant event that captured global attention. Understanding the timeline and circumstances surrounding their decision is essential to grasp the full scope of this historical moment. So, when did this all go down, guys? Let's dive into the details and explore the key milestones of their journey toward independence.

Initial Announcement and Transition Period

The initial announcement that Prince Harry and Meghan intended to step back as senior royals came in January 2020. On January 8, 2020, the couple shared a statement on their official Instagram account, @sussexroyal, declaring their intention to transition into a new working model. This announcement indicated their desire to carve out a progressive new role within the institution, one where they could become financially independent while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. Their statement read:

"After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment."

This initial declaration was met with considerable surprise and speculation. The specifics of their new role and the implications for the Royal Family were not immediately clear, leading to a period of intense discussions and negotiations. The Royal Family, including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles (now King Charles III), and Prince William, were reportedly caught off guard by the announcement, which had not been fully coordinated with them.

Following the announcement, a period of intense discussion and negotiation ensued. Senior members of the Royal Family convened to determine the terms of Harry and Meghan's departure and their future roles. These discussions, often referred to as the "Sandringham Summit," took place at the Queen's private estate in Norfolk and involved Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry. Meghan Markle reportedly joined part of the discussion via phone from Canada.

The aim of these talks was to find a workable solution that balanced Harry and Meghan’s desire for independence with the established protocols and expectations of the Royal Family. Key issues included their financial obligations, security arrangements, and the use of the "Sussex Royal" brand. The negotiations were complex, involving legal, financial, and logistical considerations.

The Final Agreement: Megxit

After several weeks of negotiations, a final agreement was reached, solidifying the terms of Prince Harry and Meghan’s departure. The agreement, announced in late January 2020, outlined the specific conditions under which the couple would step back from their royal duties. This agreement marked a significant turning point, clarifying their future roles and responsibilities.

The key terms of the agreement included:

1. Stepping Down as Senior Royals: Harry and Meghan agreed to formally step down as senior members of the Royal Family, relinquishing their official duties and patronages.
2. Financial Independence: The couple committed to becoming financially independent, ceasing to receive public funds for their royal duties. This meant giving up the Sovereign Grant, which is the annual funding provided by the UK government to support the official duties of the monarch and other members of the Royal Family.
3. Loss of Royal Titles: Harry and Meghan retained their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but they agreed to no longer use their "Royal Highness" (HRH) styles. This decision was a significant symbolic change, reflecting their diminished roles within the institution.
4. Security Arrangements: Security arrangements for Harry and Meghan were a particularly sensitive issue. Ultimately, it was decided that they would no longer receive automatic police protection funded by the UK government. This decision was based on their status as non-working royals and their intention to spend a significant amount of time outside the UK.
5. Military Appointments: Prince Harry was required to relinquish his honorary military appointments, including his roles as Captain General of the Royal Marines, Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Honington, and Commodore-in-Chief of Small Ships and Diving. This was a particularly poignant aspect of the agreement, given Harry's deep personal connection to the military and his years of service.
6. Use of the Sussex Royal Brand: Harry and Meghan agreed not to use the "Sussex Royal" brand for their commercial activities. This decision was aimed at preventing any potential conflicts of interest and ensuring that their commercial ventures were clearly distinct from their former royal roles.

Effective Date of Departure

The effective date for Prince Harry and Meghan’s official departure as senior members of the Royal Family was March 31, 2020. This date marked the end of their transition period and the beginning of their new, independent lives. From April 1, 2020, they were no longer representing the Queen or undertaking official royal duties.

Leading up to March 31, 2020, Harry and Meghan undertook a series of final engagements as working royals. These included appearances at the Mountbatten Festival of Music at the Royal Albert Hall and the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey. These events served as a farewell to their former roles and a symbolic closure to their time as senior members of the Royal Family.

The Commonwealth Day Service, held on March 9, 2020, was particularly significant. It was the last time Harry and Meghan appeared alongside Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and Prince William in an official capacity. The event drew considerable media attention, with many observers noting the strained interactions between the family members. The service was seen as a poignant moment, marking the end of an era.

Life After Leaving the Royal Family

Following their departure, Prince Harry and Meghan moved to North America, initially residing in Canada before settling in California. They established their own organization, Archewell, which encompasses various charitable and media ventures. Archewell’s mission is to "unleash the power of compassion to drive systemic cultural change."

Since stepping down as senior royals, Harry and Meghan have pursued a range of projects, including:

• Media Production: They signed deals with Netflix and Spotify to produce documentaries, films, and podcasts. Their Netflix docuseries, "Harry & Meghan," provided an intimate look at their lives and their reasons for leaving the Royal Family. Their Spotify podcast, Archetypes, hosted by Meghan, explores the labels and stereotypes that hold women back.
• Philanthropy: Through the Archewell Foundation, they have supported various charitable causes, focusing on issues such as mental health, racial justice, and gender equality. They have partnered with organizations working to address these issues and have launched their own initiatives to promote positive change.
• Public Speaking: Harry and Meghan have engaged in public speaking engagements, addressing audiences on topics related to their philanthropic work, mental health advocacy, and personal experiences.
• Publishing: Prince Harry released his memoir, "Spare," in January 2023. The book became a global bestseller, providing a detailed account of his life, including his childhood, military service, and his relationship with Meghan and the Royal Family. The memoir generated considerable controversy due to its candid revelations and criticisms of the institution.

Conclusion

In summary, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle officially stepped down as senior members of the Royal Family on March 31, 2020. This decision followed an initial announcement in January 2020 and a period of intense negotiations with the Royal Family. The agreement, often referred to as "Megxit," involved relinquishing their royal duties, pursuing financial independence, and relocating to North America. Their departure marked a significant moment in royal history, signaling a shift in the dynamics of the institution and paving the way for their new, independent lives.

Their journey since leaving the Royal Family has been marked by a series of high-profile ventures, including media production, philanthropic work, and public speaking. While their departure has not been without controversy, Harry and Meghan have remained committed to their mission of driving positive change and using their platform to advocate for issues they care about. Understanding the timeline and circumstances surrounding their departure provides valuable insight into their motivations and the broader context of their evolving roles in the public sphere. So there you have it, the timeline of when Harry and Meghan decided to forge their own path!