In 2019, a growing rift between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and the Royal Family came to light. The couple, who had recently welcomed their son Archie, declined two invitations from Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen reportedly asked them to join her at Balmoral during the summer and later for Christmas at Sandringham. Instead, Harry and Meghan opted to spend six weeks in Canada.
This decision, according to royal historian Robert Lacey, stemmed from a prior incident involving the couple’s attempt to trademark ‘Sussex Royal’ products. This move, undertaken without consulting the Queen or seeking her permission, caused tension within the Royal Family. Traditionally, royal family members coordinate with Buckingham Palace for business ventures, with the monarch providing final approval. This protocol was expected to be followed, especially considering the close relationship Harry had with his father, Prince Charles.
The Queen’s response was subtle yet significant. During the 2019 Christmas broadcast, the Sussexes were conspicuously absent. Instead, the Queen chose to highlight the continuity of the Crown by releasing a photograph in January featuring herself, Prince Charles, Prince William, and young Prince George, symbolizing the direct line of succession. This imagery further emphasized the exclusion of Harry, Meghan, and Archie.
Adding to the already strained relationship, Harry and Meghan filed three major legal cases against the British media while in Africa. This move was considered a direct defiance of the Queen and the staff responsible for managing the Crown’s affairs. Traditionally, royals would seek the monarch’s approval for such significant legal battles, a step Harry and Meghan had bypassed.
The 2019 events marked a turning point in the relationship between the Sussexes and the Royal Family, setting the stage for their eventual departure from royal life in 2020.
