Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are feeling the weight of their decision to step away from the British monarchy, a move that once seemed bold but is now proving to be a challenging reality. The couple, who famously exited the “well-oiled machine” of the royal family in 2020, are navigating the consequences of trading royal stability for independence, and it’s not going as smoothly as they might have hoped.
Life outside the palace walls has been anything but easy. The Sussexes walked away from a system that, despite its constraints, offered unmatched resources, global influence, and a carefully managed public image. In return, they sought freedom to carve their own path—free from royal protocols and media scrutiny. But the reality has been far less glamorous. From struggling to secure consistent income to facing relentless public criticism, Harry and Meghan are learning that life as non-working royals comes with its own set of hurdles.
Their high-profile ventures, including lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify, were meant to solidify their brand as global influencers. Yet, these projects have faced mixed results. Their Netflix docuseries sparked controversy rather than universal praise, and Meghan’s Spotify podcast was quietly shelved after a single season. Industry insiders point out that without the royal platform, the couple’s star power isn’t translating as seamlessly as expected. The “well-oiled machine” they left behind handled logistics, PR, and security—elements they now have to manage on their own, often with costly missteps.
The financial strain is real. While their initial deals brought in millions, maintaining their Montecito lifestyle, complete with private security and high-end expenses, is no small feat. Harry’s legal battles over UK security arrangements have only added to the burden, with court rulings consistently going against him. Experts suggest the couple underestimated how much they relied on the royal infrastructure, which provided everything from staff to diplomatic connections at no personal cost.
Public perception hasn’t been kind either. Once celebrated as a modern fairy tale, Harry and Meghan’s story has lost some of its shine. Their repeated tell-alls, from Oprah interviews to Harry’s memoir Spare, have alienated parts of their audience, who see their revelations as airing dirty laundry. Meanwhile, their efforts to establish a charitable empire through Archewell have been overshadowed by PR blunders and questions about impact. Critics argue that their narrative of victimhood is wearing thin, especially when contrasted with the royal family’s stoic “keep calm and carry on” approach.
Meghan, often seen as the driving force behind their exit, faces particular scrutiny. Her ambition to redefine the couple’s role on the world stage is undeniable, but some wonder if her vision underestimated the complexities of operating without royal backing. Harry, too, seems caught between loyalty to his wife and nostalgia for the institution he once represented. Sources close to the couple hint at tensions as they grapple with their new reality, far from the structured support of Buckingham Palace.
The Sussexes’ journey is a cautionary tale of what happens when you leave a centuries-old institution for uncharted waters. While their quest for independence is admirable, the aftermath of quitting the royal “machine” has been a stark reminder of its unparalleled power. For now, Meghan and Harry are forging ahead, but the road to relevance outside the monarchy is proving steeper than they ever imagined.
