A seemingly innocuous photo featuring Prince George may have played a significant role in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step back from the Royal Family, according to royal expert Andrew Morton. The photo, taken in Buckingham Palace’s throne room, depicted the late Queen Elizabeth II with Prince Charles, Prince William, and a young Prince George. Its release in early 2020, shortly before the Sussexes’ announcement, reportedly solidified their growing suspicion that the Royal Family was plotting against them.
Morton, in his book “Meghan: A Hollywood Princess,” claims that Harry and Meghan believed the institution was conspiring against them. The photo, with its emphasis on the future generations of the monarchy, reinforced their belief that their roles within the family were diminishing.
Despite their global appeal, Harry and Meghan felt they were not high on the Royal hierarchy. This feeling was exacerbated by a canceled meeting with the Queen in January 2020, where Harry intended to discuss his royal role. Prince Charles, according to Morton, believed the meeting was canceled due to internal concerns that Harry might use any agreement made during the informal talks as leverage in future negotiations.
The couple’s departure was not a sudden decision. Morton reveals that Harry and Meghan began considering leaving the Royal Family as early as six months after their wedding in May 2018. In November 2018, Harry even met with Oprah Winfrey in a London hotel to explore potential opportunities outside the royal fold.
The photo of Prince George, released amidst a backdrop of growing tensions within the Royal Family, serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding the Sussexes’ decision to step back from their royal duties. It highlights the internal power dynamics within the monarchy and underscores the pressures that Harry and Meghan faced as they navigated their roles within the institution.
