Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to leave the UK in 2020 became one of the biggest turning points in the modern history of the British Royal Family. What began as a plan to step back from senior royal duties eventually led the couple to establish a new life in North America and pursue greater financial and personal independence.
Their departure was not caused by one single event. Instead, several issues appeared to influence their decision, including intense media attention, disagreements over their role within the monarchy, family tensions, privacy concerns, and their desire to build a more independent future.
Key Takeaways
- Prince Harry and Meghan announced in January 2020 that they wanted to step back from senior royal duties.
- The couple said they wanted to become financially independent while continuing to support the Royal Family.
- Media scrutiny and concerns about privacy were major parts of their public explanation.
- Harry and Meghan initially spent time in Canada before moving to California later in 2020.
- Their final working-royal duties ended in March 2020.
- The Queen said she supported their wish to create a more independent life as a family.
- Their departure eventually led to major changes in their relationship with other members of the Royal Family.
Why Did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Leave the UK?
When people ask why Harry and Meghan decided to leave, the answer is more complicated than the popular term “Megxit” suggests. The couple had been dealing with growing public attention and reported tensions surrounding their place within the monarchy.
On January 8, 2020, Harry and Meghan announced that they planned to step back as senior members of the Royal Family. Their original statement described a desire to create a new role, work toward financial independence, and divide their time between the UK and North America.
This meant their decision to leave was initially presented as a move toward a different kind of royal life rather than an immediate rejection of the monarchy.
Media Pressure Was a Major Factor
One of the most frequently discussed reasons behind the decision was the pressure created by media coverage. Harry had long expressed concerns about the British press, particularly because of his mother's experience with the media and the intense attention surrounding his own family.
After Meghan joined the Royal Family, her relationship with the British media became another major source of controversy. Reports and public statements described the couple as increasingly frustrated with intrusive coverage and what they viewed as unfair treatment.
The Guardian reported at the time that their decision came after a period marked by conflict with sections of the media over alleged intrusion and bullying.
For Harry, the issue was also deeply personal. His concerns about media intrusion were connected to the wider legacy of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, whose death followed years of intense press attention.
They Wanted Greater Financial Independence
Another important reason was money and independence. When Harry and Meghan announced their plans, they specifically said they wanted to become financially independent.
The idea was significant because senior working royals traditionally carry out official duties while receiving financial support connected to their royal responsibilities. Harry and Meghan wanted a different arrangement that would allow them to develop their own professional and charitable projects.
Their plans eventually resulted in major commercial partnerships and media projects after they settled in the United States. However, the original announcement focused on becoming financially independent rather than simply pursuing celebrity or commercial success.
Harry and Meghan Wanted More Control Over Their Lives
Personal freedom was another important part of the couple's decision. Life as senior royals involves strict schedules, official appearances, security arrangements, public expectations and limited control over how family members communicate with the public.
Harry and Meghan appeared to want more control over their working lives and family environment. Their January 2020 announcement described their intention to create a “progressive new role” while remaining supportive of the Queen and the wider institution.
In practical terms, the move allowed them to make decisions about their careers, charitable work and media projects without following the same structure as full-time working royals.
Family Tensions Also Played a Role
Relationships inside the Royal Family became another major part of the story. By the time the couple announced their plans, there was already significant public speculation about tensions between Harry, Meghan and other senior royals.
The situation became particularly complicated because Harry was expected to continue carrying out official duties while also managing disagreements over his family's future role.
The January 2020 announcement led to discussions between Harry, his father and his brother. The resulting Sandringham discussions produced an agreement for Harry and Meghan to step back from royal duties under new arrangements. The Queen later said that she and the family supported their wish to create a more independent life, although she acknowledged that she would have preferred them to remain full-time working royals.
Where Did They Go After Leaving?
The couple's move happened in stages rather than overnight. They initially spent time in Canada before relocating to California.
Harry and Meghan moved to Los Angeles in March 2020 and later established their permanent American base in Montecito, California. Their move to the United States coincided with the end of their working-royal duties.
Their new life was very different from their previous existence in the UK. Instead of regular royal engagements, they began concentrating on private business ventures, charitable initiatives and media projects.
Did They Completely Cut Ties With the Royal Family?
No. The decision to leave royal duties did not mean that Harry and Meghan stopped being members of the Royal Family.
They remained the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and continued to have family connections in Britain. Harry also returned to the UK on several occasions for important family and royal events.
However, their relationship with some senior royals became increasingly strained in the years following their departure. Their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the Netflix documentary series, and Harry's memoir Spare brought private family disagreements into the public spotlight.
Was “Megxit” Really the Right Description?
The term “Megxit” became popular in the media as a shorthand for the couple's departure from senior royal life. However, it can oversimplify what actually happened.
Harry was born into the Royal Family and had already spent years performing official duties before marrying Meghan. Their decision was therefore a joint change in their professional and personal circumstances rather than simply Meghan causing Harry to leave.
The official announcement also showed that the couple initially hoped to remain connected to the institution while gaining greater independence.
What Happened to Their Royal Role?
The arrangement eventually meant that Harry and Meghan stopped carrying out official royal duties. They also lost access to some of the privileges associated with being working royals and began funding their lives independently.
The transition was completed in March 2020, shortly before the couple established their new life in the United States.
The change was historic because it showed that a high-profile royal couple could step away from traditional duties while continuing to maintain international visibility.
Why Did the Decision Remain Controversial?
Harry and Meghan's decision remained controversial because supporters and critics interpreted their actions very differently.
Supporters argued that the couple had a legitimate right to protect their privacy, prioritize their family and create independent careers. Critics, meanwhile, questioned whether it was possible to maintain the benefits and public profile of royal status while moving away from official responsibilities.
These competing views helped make the Sussexes one of the most closely watched families in the world.
Could Their UK Relationship Change in the Future?
The story has continued to evolve. In August 2026, Harry and Meghan returned to the UK with their children for an extended period, marking a significant development six years after their original move to North America. They are expected to remain non-working royals rather than resume official royal duties.
Their return does not necessarily mean that the disagreements of the past have disappeared. However, it demonstrates that leaving the UK in 2020 did not permanently end Harry's connection with Britain or his family.
Final Thoughts
The decision to leave the UK in 2020 was the result of several overlapping factors rather than one dramatic moment. Harry and Meghan publicly emphasized financial independence, a different role within the royal institution and a desire for greater control over their lives.
Media pressure, privacy concerns and complicated family relationships also became important parts of the wider story. Over time, their decision changed from a proposed “progressive new role” into a much more independent life in the United States.
Ultimately, understanding why Harry and Meghan chose to leave requires looking beyond the headlines. Their 2020 decision was a major personal and institutional change, and the events that followed continue to shape the couple's relationship with the Royal Family today.
