Five years have passed since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made the monumental decision to step down from their roles as senior members of the British royal family. 

The couple’s departure, which became known as “Megxit,” rocked the monarchy and the world, sparking a wave of speculation, support, and criticism. 

Over the course of these five years, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have repeatedly spoken about their reasons for leaving 

and how their lives have changed since stepping away from royal duties. 

Now, as the couple reflects on their decision, their journey and the impact of their exit remain topics of significant interest.

The couple’s exit from the royal family in 2020 was a carefully considered decision that had been brewing for months. 

Meghan and Harry announced that they wanted to “step back” from their royal roles to gain more independence and focus on their personal lives. In a statement released at the time, they expressed their desire to carve out a more private and financially independent life while continuing to support the Queen and the royal family. 

The initial announcement was met with surprise and confusion, as the royal family was not informed ahead of time, leading to tensions between the Sussexes and other members of the monarchy. However, Meghan and Harry emphasized that their goal was to support the monarchy, not to step away from it entirely. Despite this, their move was viewed as a radical departure from the centuries-old traditions of the royal family.

In interviews following their departure, both Meghan and Harry have opened up about the personal and professional reasons that led to their decision. For Meghan, the intense media scrutiny and constant criticism were significant factors in her decision to leave. She has described feeling “trapped” within the royal family, often citing the toll that constant media attention took on her mental health. In their landmark interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, Meghan admitted that she had struggled with her mental health, even experiencing suicidal thoughts, which was a major influence on her choice to leave the royal spotlight.

For Harry, the desire to create a different life for his family played a central role in the decision. He has spoken openly about wanting to protect his family from the challenges he faced while growing up in the royal family, particularly the relentless press attention and public scrutiny. Harry also revealed that the decision to leave was not made lightly and was one that involved many conversations with both his wife and his family.

In the Oprah interview, Harry shared that he felt “freed” after stepping away from royal duties. He explained that, in making the decision, he and Meghan were seeking a life where they could thrive as individuals and as a family, without the weight of public expectations and rigid royal protocols.

Since relocating to California in 2020, Meghan and Harry have sought to establish themselves as independent figures, focusing on various philanthropic and business ventures. The couple has launched initiatives such as the Archewell Foundation, which aims to promote compassion and well-being around the world, and Harry has worked on several media projects, including his podcast *Archetypes*. Meghan, meanwhile, has become more involved in her own endeavors, including her work as a producer and advocate for women’s rights and gender equality.

Their life in the U.S. has not been without its challenges, but the couple has expressed gratitude for the freedom they now enjoy, away from the constant media scrutiny that defined their lives in the U.K. They have also become parents to two children, Archie and Lilibet, and have emphasized their desire to raise their children in a more private, less publicized environment.

Looking back on their decision to leave the royal family, Meghan and Harry have consistently reiterated that their exit was about creating a better, healthier life for themselves and their family. While they have faced significant backlash and criticism from certain quarters, they have also received support from many who believe in their desire for change and independence. 

The couple’s departure has undoubtedly changed the royal family dynamic, leading to shifts in how the public views the monarchy and its future. However, Meghan and Harry have remained steadfast in their belief that they made the right decision for their family and mental well-being.

In a statement reflecting on the anniversary of their exit, the Duke and Duchess shared their hope for the future, emphasizing that their journey was just beginning. “It’s been a challenging, yet rewarding path,” said Harry. “We’re continuing to build the life we want for ourselves and for our children.”

Five years later, Meghan and Harry’s royal exit remains a topic of significant public discussion. Despite ongoing debates about their choices, the couple has continued to carve their own path, advocating for issues they are passionate about and forging new opportunities outside the constraints of royal life. While the impact of their decision will likely continue to resonate for years to come, the couple has remained committed to their mission of creating a more compassionate, inclusive world.

In conclusion, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s decision to step down from their royal duties five years ago marked a pivotal moment in their lives, and the ripples of that decision continue to be felt. Through interviews, public statements, and their personal endeavors, they have consistently reflected on the reasons behind their choice and the positive changes they hope to inspire in the world. As they look to the future, their focus remains on their family, their charity work, and their quest for personal happiness and fulfillment outside the royal spotlight.

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