Royal Rift: Expert Pinpoints Turning Point Before Sussex Exit
A former royal butler has identified a critical turning point in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship with the royal family, occurring just months before their bombshell departure announcement in January 2020. Grant Harrold, speaking on behalf of OLBG, stated that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had a healthy and close bond with Prince William and Princess Kate until that pivotal moment.
The 'Fab Four' Era and Its Sudden End
Harrold recalled that the four royals, often dubbed the 'Fab Four', frequently collaborated on events and appearances, with Prince William reportedly genuinely happy his brother had found love. Photographs from 2019, including one at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, vividly captured their camaraderie. However, Harrold noted that something must have happened in the summer prior to the announcement, leading to a noticeable souring of relations.
"We saw William, Kate, Harry, and Meghan do so many things together initially, but the turning point was a few months before the announcement that they were stepping away from royal duties," Harrold explained. "They were doing events in the summer prior to that, so something must have happened in between."
The Bombshell Announcement and Its Aftermath
In their January 2020 statement, Harry and Meghan declared their intention to step back as senior royals, pursue financial independence, and support Queen Elizabeth II from abroad. Express US reports suggest this decision followed the undisclosed incident. Notably, the couple did not consult Queen Elizabeth or then-Prince Charles before releasing the statement, a move Prince Harry later expressed regret over in an interview with The Telegraph.
The Queen responded with her own statement, confirming the Sussexes were no longer full-time working members of the royal family. While she preferred they stay, she acknowledged their wish for a more independent life. This sequence of events marked a dramatic shift from the united 'Fab Four' image, underscoring the deep strains that had emerged within the monarchy.
