Some people believe the idea of “Mexit” began during a resurfaced clip from the 2018 Service of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. Lip-reading expert Nicola Hickin, featured in Channel 5’s Lip Reading the Royals: The Secret Conversations, suggested that Meghan appeared to tell Harry to “do it tonight.”
But here’s the thing: no one knows for sure what she was referring to. Many speculated she meant for Harry to start planning their exit, yet according to Tom Bower in Betrayal, the decision was made long before that moment — as early as their wedding night.
The Wedding Night That Changed Everything
Bower’s book claims that Meghan had already started planning her path away from the royal family as soon as she married Harry. Palace officials reportedly noted the early signs, from her Hollywood-focused guest list to her apparent discomfort with Harry’s traditional, rowdy English friends.
A palace source recalled Meghan mocking Harry’s friends, joking that they “oiled their guns for the weekend.” Observers saw this as a clear sign she intended to eventually return to California. By the end of the wedding day, the gap between Meghan and the royal family was already set in stone.
Honeymoon Tensions and Failed Reconciliation
After their honeymoon, Harry and Meghan visited Prince William and Princess Catherine, hoping to reconcile. According to Bower, the meeting didn’t help. Back at Nottingham Cottage, Meghan reportedly felt distraught and frustrated.
Bower writes that Meghan’s outlook toward the royal family hardened. She allegedly resented anyone who didn’t recognize her importance and focused on achieving Hollywood stardom, rather than fully committing to royal duties.
Early Steps Toward “Mexit”
Immediately after the wedding, Meghan resumed contact with her California agents to quietly lay the groundwork for her return. Her goal? To create a life in America while still enjoying the perks of being part of the royal family.
Bower suggests there was never a firm lifelong commitment from Meghan to her royal duties. Once she had married Harry and gained access to royal privileges, her attention shifted toward Hollywood and her personal ambitions.
Influencing Harry and Planning Their Exit
Seven months after the wedding, Meghan reportedly began openly discussing “Mexit” with friends. She shared frustrations about royal life, claiming her creativity was being suppressed. Her friends encouraged her desire to shine in Hollywood rather than live a restricted royal life.
Bower notes that Harry was also developing negative feelings about the royal family. The couple’s growing discontent didn’t go unnoticed, with even Queen Camilla reportedly concerned that Meghan was influencing Harry’s views.
The Baby Shower That Sparked the Next Step
Meghan’s baby shower for Archie in New York was more than just a celebration — it was part of her plan to reestablish her roots in America. While Meghan focused on Hollywood, Harry worked on setting up separate charitable offices in London.
According to Bower, Harry was aware of Meghan’s moves, including plans for their financial foothold in the U.S. and a personal storytelling project with Oprah Winfrey. Everything was aligning for a high-profile exit from Britain.
Media Battles and Strategic Moves
The couple’s early media confrontations also played a role in their “Mexit” plan. Harry’s initial statement demanding the press leave Meghan alone is seen as a precursor to their eventual departure. Bower describes these actions as a “curtain raiser” for leaving Britain, culminating in their now-famous interview in South Africa.
Meghan even shared her concerns with Hillary Clinton, who reportedly sympathized and supported Meghan’s vision of escaping the restrictive royal environment.
The Real Timeline of “Mexit”
Contrary to popular belief, “Mexit” wasn’t a last-minute idea. Bower’s sources indicate that Meghan was already planning her exit on her wedding night. From Hollywood ambitions to influencing Harry, the plan evolved steadily over time, rather than being a sudden decision.
The Bridesmaid Dress Controversy
Bower also clarifies who really caused tears during the bridesmaid dress saga between Meghan and Princess Catherine — giving us more insight into the early tensions within the royal family.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been following the royal saga, this timeline shows that Meghan and Harry’s departure from Britain wasn’t spontaneous. From wedding night ambitions to Hollywood plans, “Mexit” was carefully crafted over months and years.
