To provide some context, Meghan and Harry stepped down from their roles as senior working royals in 2020, relocating to California in search of privacy and financial independence. However, their transition hasn’t been as smooth as they might have hoped. The couple has faced ongoing challenges with the British press and reportedly strained relationships with certain royal family members, including Prince William.
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June saw the couple making appearances in Europe, starting with the One Young World Summit in Manchester, where Meghan delivered a keynote speech. They then traveled to Germany for the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 one-year-to-go event, which Harry is closely involved in. It was during their brief stay in Europe that tensions between Harry and Meghan reportedly reached a boiling point. Being back in the royal spotlight and under intense public scrutiny took a toll on Meghan, who found the experience immensely stressful. It reportedly reignited feelings of being unwelcome and trapped in her previous royal life.
Simultaneously, Harry struggled with being far from his family and homeland but remained dedicated to Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet, who are based in California. Sources indicate that the couple had multiple arguments in Europe about their long-term plans and future. Meghan is said to have been frustrated with Harry’s continued devotion to his royal duties and family, which complicated their efforts to fully detach from their past life. By the time they returned to California, their relationship had deteriorated significantly, leading Meghan to decide that the marriage had run its course.
Within weeks, Meghan had her high-powered lawyer, Amanda Russo, file for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. Insiders suggest that Meghan’s decision to end the marriage so quickly after their trip was aimed at avoiding further pain and conflict, and she wanted to manage the divorce narrative rather than let it play out publicly. The timing is also notable as fall is typically a busy social season in Montecito, where they live among celebrity friends and neighbors.
Meghan is reportedly seeking full physical and legal custody of Archie and Lilibet, given their young age, and a substantial financial settlement from Harry due to her contributions to their public profile and projects over the years. The couple jointly owns a $14 million mansion, so dividing their assets will likely be complex.
Although Harry and Meghan have not publicly addressed the divorce reports, sources close to them have confirmed its accuracy. A carefully worded statement acknowledging the end of their marriage is expected soon. However, given the tensions with the monarchy, we might not see significant involvement from senior royals like Charles and William at this stage. There is some sympathy from observers who believe the couple were mismatched and that the intense public scrutiny worsened their issues. Others are less forgiving of Meghan, viewing this as evidence that she was unwilling to truly adapt to royal life. Some also question whether she ever intended for the marriage to last, given her career ambitions.
