Prince Harry and Meghan’s Royal Exit Fueled by Feeling 'Sidelined'
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step back from their roles as senior royals in 2020 was reportedly driven by frustration over being “sidelined” by the Royal Family. According to sources, the couple was left “furious” by a pivotal moment just weeks before their royal exit that solidified their decision.
In December 2019, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex chose to spend Christmas abroad with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, rather than joining the traditional Sandringham gathering with the rest of the royal family. However, one royal move during this time would prove to be the “final straw” for the couple.
In Queen Elizabeth’s Christmas speech, a family photo was prominently displayed on her desk—but notably absent was a picture of Harry, Meghan, and their newborn son, Archie. The omission, according to *Finding Freedom* authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, was seen by the couple as a deliberate snub. They felt this reflected a broader sense of being excluded by the royal institution, with Meghan and Harry believing the Royal Family was “conspiring against them,” reinforcing their growing sense of being marginalized.
Palace sources, as reported by *The Irish Mirror*, explained that the selection of photographs for the Queen’s Christmas speech was meant to showcase the “direct line of succession.” The images included King Charles and Queen Camilla, along with Prince William, Princess Kate, and their three children.
Despite this official explanation, Harry and Meghan reportedly felt deeply hurt by the absence of their own family’s picture, adding to their mounting frustrations with the Royal Family and ultimately influencing their decision to step away from royal duties.
