Stepping back

"Megxit": 5 Years Ago Today Harry & Meghan Dropped The Bombshell

Five years ago, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan shocked the world by withdrawing from the royal family. Their decision to become financially independent led to a break with the British monarchy.

Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry stepped back from the royals 5 years ago
Withdrawal and financial independence
The role of the "Sandringham Summit"

January 8, 2020, marked a turning point in the history of the British monarchy. Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry released a statement that took everyone by surprise.

Withdrawal and financial independence

Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan shared their intentions with the public on social media: "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," they explained.

Their aim was to step back as "senior" members of the royal family and become financially independent. They went on to add: "We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages."

The role of the "Sandringham Summit"

Following the retirement announcement, the royal family met on January 13, 2020, for the so-called "Sandringham Summit". Queen Elizabeth II, the then Prince Charles and Prince William discussed the couple's future role with Harry. The Queen supported Harry and Meghan's desire to lead a more independent life, although she would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the royal family.

Harry later described the summit as emotionally charged, particularly due to his brother William's and his father Charles' reactions.

Harry and Meghan's last joint appearance as senior royals took place in March 2020 on Commonwealth Day at Westminster Abbey. Tensions within the royal family were palpable and relations between the brothers remain strained to this day.