Four years ago this week, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made the bombshell announcement that they would step back from royal duties, a move that reportedly left the late Queen blindsided. According to sources cited by The Telegraph, Harry later regretted how the announcement was handled, particularly the lack of consultation with his grandmother.
An insider said at the time: '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 revelation came after the Sandringham Summit, an extraordinary family meeting called by the Queen to thrash out a way forward.
In the years since, the Sussexes have faced a mixed run of fortunes. Harry released his controversial memoir Spare, they were dropped from a multi-million dollar Spotify deal, but the Invictus Games in Germany was a success. Royal expert Dr Tessa Dunlop said the couple retain 'talk-ability' but face a crucial year ahead.
Dr Dunlop added: 'While a reconciliation with the Royal Family looks unlikely, further attacks on the monarchy would be a mistake. The couple appears to thrive on a high-risk strategy, but with so many people willing them to fail, they cannot afford to further squander their brand in 2024.'
