5 Years Ago: Meghan Markle Left the Royal Family – A Recap of the Events

It’s been a rocky road for Meghan Markle and the British royal family since she fell in love with Prince Harry and the pair’s exit in 2020.

The former cast member of the TV show Suits began a romantic relationship with the prince in the summer of 2016. In her cover story with Vanity Fair in September 2017, she openly expressed her admiration for Harry. However, it wasn’t until their engagement interview in November 2017 that the couple publicly discussed their relationship and Meghan’s preparation for royal life.

Reflecting on her experience, Meghan admitted, “Looking back now, I realize how inexperienced I was when we started this journey together. Over the past year and a half, I have learned so much about what it really means.”

Harry chimed in, “I did my best to give you a heads-up about what to expect. … No matter how many discussions we had to get ready, we were still taken aback by everything that followed.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex wed in May 2018. Despite the alleged tension between the brothers over how quickly Harry and Meghan’s relationship moved, the pair teamed up with Prince William and Princess Kate and the foursome launched a charity together. In June 2019, news broke that the group effort was already done and the two couples were splitting their charities.

In October 2019, Harry and Meghan spoke to ITV’s Tom Bradby and hinted that they were unhappy. Harry also confirmed reports that there was a rift between him and William.

“I have said for a long time to H, that’s what I call [Harry], ‘It’s not enough to just survive something. That’s not the point of life. You have to thrive. You have got to feel happy,’” Meghan said during the special, admitting she was “not OK.”

She continued: “I really tried to adopt this British sensibility of a ‘stiff upper lip.’ I really tried, but I think that what that does internally is probably really damaging.”

Less than six months later, Harry and Meghan announced their plans to step back from their senior royal duties in January 2020. The pair subsequently relocated, first to Canada and then to Los Angeles. They ultimately put down roots in Montecito, California.

​One day after the queen‘s death in September 2022, King Charles III shared his “love” for Harry and Meghan in his first speech as the new monarch.

“I want … to express my love for Harry and Meghan, as they continue to build their lives overseas,” he said in the address.

Scroll through for a complete timeline of the ups and downs: