A lip reader has decoded a private conversation between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a 2018 Remembrance service, suggesting they may have been planning their exit from the Royal Family years before they officially stepped down.
According to the Channel 5 documentary 'Lip-Reading The Royals: The Secret Conversations', Meghan Markle told Prince Harry to 'take advantage of the situation' as they sat surrounded by senior royals at Westminster Abbey. She then urged him to 'do it tonight', prompting Harry to ask if she realised that 'this is the end', to which she replied 'Yeah, I do know'.
Royal historian Dr Tessa Dunlop interpreted the exchange as evidence that the couple had been plotting their departure long before the January 2020 'Megxit' announcement. The conversation took place just six months after their wedding, at a service marking the centenary of the Armistice.
In their Netflix documentary, Harry later admitted they had discussed moving abroad for 'a minimum of two years', even considering New Zealand or South Africa before plans were leaked. The couple announced their decision to step back as senior royals in January 2020, citing a desire to raise their son Archie with appreciation for royal tradition while gaining independence.
The Sussexes' departure was formally implemented in March 2020, and they relocated to California, where they now live with their two children.
