Charles Esther
The relationship between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and the British royal family has been fraught with tension, particularly in recent years.
Since stepping back as senior royals, their interactions with other members of the family have been minimal.
Despite this, Prince Harry has expressed a desire for “reconciliation” with his relatives.
Early Bonds Between Prince Harry, Prince William, and Princess Kate
Growing up, Prince Harry appeared close to his older brother, Prince William, with whom he shared a bond forged through the tragic death of their mother, Princess Diana, in 1997.
In the years following her passing, the two brothers were often seen supporting each other, with Harry once describing their relationship as “uniquely bonded” due to the shared grief.
Their father, King Charles, played a primary parental role after Diana’s death, but his demanding schedule often meant that his sons had to rely on each other.
Royal reporter Katie Nicholl noted in her book, The New Royals, that Charles’ intense work commitments left his sons largely to their own devices, which sometimes led to trouble.
Before marrying, Prince Harry also appeared to have a strong relationship with Kate Middleton, who became Princess of Wales.
Harry was the best man at William and Kate’s wedding in 2011, and the trio frequently attended royal events together.
Harry once referred to Kate as “the big sister I never had,” showcasing their close bond.
The Formation of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Relationship
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s romance began in 2016, when they were introduced through a mutual friend.
Their relationship developed quickly, and Harry revealed that by their second date, he knew it was something special.
In an interview with James Corden, Harry shared how their dating experience was different from others, given the constant public scrutiny they faced.
On November 8, 2016, Prince Harry confirmed his relationship with Meghan after she faced increasing harassment from the media.
He condemned the abusive comments made about her, particularly those of a racist nature, and expressed concern for her safety.
This marked the first time the public received an official acknowledgment of their relationship.
However, reports soon emerged that Prince William did not approve of Harry publicly confirming his relationship so soon.
Engagement and Marriage
On November 27, 2017, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement.
The couple revealed that Harry had proposed during a cozy evening at home while they were cooking dinner.
The engagement was met with support from the royal family, including Prince William and Kate, who shared their joy for the couple.
The royal wedding took place on May 19, 2018, at Windsor Castle.
The ceremony was a celebration of Harry and Meghan’s love, and it was seen as a moment of family unity, with Prince Charles walking Meghan down the aisle and Prince William serving as Harry’s best man.
However, Meghan’s strained relationship with her own family added tension in the lead-up to the wedding, as her father and half-sister publicly criticized her.
The Sussexes’ Move and Tensions with the Royal Family
Shortly after their wedding, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved out of their residence at Kensington Palace to Frogmore Cottage, located at Windsor Castle.
This move, along with other decisions, such as their choice to separate their office from that of William and Kate’s, fueled speculation of growing tensions between the brothers.
In 2019, Harry and Meghan sought greater independence, requesting to establish their own royal household, which was initially denied.
Tensions between Harry and William seemed to rise as their professional and personal paths began to diverge.
The Birth of Archie and Separation from the Cambridges
On May 6, 2019, Prince Harry and Meghan welcomed their first child, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor.
The birth broke royal tradition, as Meghan chose not to follow the pattern established by Princess Diana and Kate Middleton by posing for photos with Archie at the Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital.
Instead, the family posed for photos at Windsor Castle two days later.
In June 2019, Harry and Meghan also separated from The Royal Foundation, the charity they had co-founded with William and Kate.
They made it clear that they wanted to carve out their own path, further distancing themselves from the Cambridges.
The Sussexes Step Back from Royal Duties
In January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step back from royal duties. They expressed their intention to work towards becoming financially independent while still supporting the Queen.
This announcement, which was made via an Instagram post, took the royal family by surprise.
In response, Buckingham Palace stated that “complicated issues” would take time to resolve.
Their decision to step back led to a strained relationship with the royal family.
Prince William and Prince Harry’s bond seemed to weaken, with both brothers publicly acknowledging their differences.
Harry admitted that he and William were “on different paths at the moment,” while Meghan became emotional about the toll media scrutiny had taken on her mental and physical health.
The Move to California and Financial Independence
In March 2020, Harry and Meghan attended their final engagement as working royals at the Commonwealth Service.
It was widely reported that they did not speak to Prince William or Kate during the event, signaling the growing rift. The Sussexes moved to California shortly thereafter, purchasing a home in Montecito, where they have since raised their family.
By September 2022, Harry and Meghan confirmed that they were financially independent from the royal family after paying back $3 million for the renovation of Frogmore Cottage.
This step marked a significant moment in their journey away from royal life and reinforced their desire for a fresh start.
Prince Harry’s Desire for Reconciliation
Despite their growing distance from the royal family, Prince Harry has consistently expressed a desire for reconciliation.
In an interview with BBC News, Harry revealed that he was not in communication with his father, King Charles, but still hoped for a future where he could rebuild relationships with his family.
The rift remains a point of tension, but Harry’s words suggest a potential for healing.
The ongoing saga of Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their relationship with the royal family continues to unfold, with public interest remaining high.
The timeline of their relationship with the monarchy is filled with twists and turns, from their initial bond with Harry’s family to the dramatic departure from royal duties.
Whether or not reconciliation is possible remains to be seen, but the desire for healing from both sides is clear.
