Six years ago today, the British Royal Family was rocked to its core by a seismic announcement from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. On 8 January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle declared on social media their intention to step back as senior royals, a move that would forever alter their relationship with 'The Firm'.
The Bombshell Announcement That 'Blindsided' the Palace
The couple's statement, in which they vowed to 'carve out a progressive new role' and achieve financial independence, sent shockwaves around the globe. Crucially, several members of the Royal Family, including the late Queen Elizabeth II, reportedly discovered the news at the same time as the public, having not been consulted beforehand.
In the years since, Prince Harry has reflected on the chaotic rollout with a sense of remorse. A source told The Telegraph in 2020 that the Duke 'regrets' the impact of the statement, particularly the fact the Queen was not given prior warning. 'I don’t think he fully appreciated the impact the statement would have in terms of them not consulting the Queen. He regrets that,' the insider revealed.
A New Life in California and 'The Freedom My Mum Wanted'
Despite the familial rift that followed the exit, dubbed 'Megxit', Harry has frequently spoken of the liberation found in his new life. Relocating full-time to California with Meghan and their children, the Duke has embraced a world away from royal protocol.
During an engagement in December, Harry expressed profound gratitude for his transatlantic life. 'I very much enjoy living here and bringing my kids up here. It’s a part of my life that I never thought I was going to live,' he said. 'I feel as though it’s the life that my mum wanted for me.' He highlighted the unique opportunities for his family, stating, 'To be able to do the things I’m able to do with my kids that I undoubtedly wouldn’t be able to do in the UK - it’s huge.'
Enduring Titles and Lasting Ripples
Six years on, the couple retain their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles, bestowed by the Queen on their wedding day in 2018, despite no longer carrying out official duties for the monarch. Their departure continues to be a defining moment for the modern monarchy, a point of public fascination and a subject of ongoing discussion about the institution's future and the personal cost of life within it.
The anniversary serves as a stark reminder of a day that divided public opinion and reshaped the royal landscape, with the Sussexes' journey from senior royals to independent, California-based figures remaining one of the most compelling stories of the decade.
