5 Highs and 5 Lows Since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Left Royal Life 5 Years Ago

Mar. 15, 2025

RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP via Getty

AsMeghan MarkleandPrince Harrymark five years since stepping back from royal duties, their journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

On Jan. 8, 2020 — five years ago exactly — the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stunned the world when they wrote onInstagram, “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.”

“We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully supportHer Majesty the Queen,” the statement continued. “It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.”

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.

Since then, the pair have navigated the highest of highs — welcoming their daughterPrincess Lilibet, now 3, in June 2021, for example — and the lowest of lows, like when Queen Elizabeth died in September 2022 at 96 years old. Here, PEOPLE examines five highs and five lows in the five years since the step back that shook the royal world.

High No. 1: Welcoming Princess Lilibet to the world

Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, now Princess Lilibet of Sussex, was born on June 4, 2021, in Santa Barbara, California, joining older brotherPrince Archieand her parents. Lilibet was born at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital at 11:40 a.m., weighing in at 7 lbs., 11 oz., her parents said in a statement announcing her birth.

“On June 4th, we were blessed with the arrival of our daughter, Lili,” the statement read. “She is more than we could have ever imagined, and we remain grateful for the love and prayers we’ve felt from across the globe. Thank you for your continued kindness and support during this very special time for our family," Harry and Meghanwrote on their Archewell websiteshortly after her arrival.

Prince Harry, Princess Lilibet, Prince Archie and Meghan Markle in Netflix’s ‘Harry & Meghan’ docuseries.Netflix/YouTube

Netflix/YouTube

In the statement announcing her birth, Harry and Meghan shared that “Lili is named after her great-grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen, whose family nickname is Lilibet. Her middle name, Diana, was chosen to honor her beloved late grandmother,The Princess of Wales."

Harry and Meghan sought Queen Elizabeth’s approval for using her nickname as their daughter’s moniker, as a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex told PEOPLE in a statement, “The Duke spoke with his family in advance of the announcement, in fact his grandmother was the first family member he called. During that conversation, he shared their hope of naming their daughter Lilibet in her honor. Had she not been supportive, they would not have used the name.”

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, leave St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, Windsor, west of London, on May 18, 2019, after the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston.STEVE PARSONS/POOL/AFP via Getty

STEVE PARSONS/POOL/AFP via Getty

Lilibet — whose godfather isTyler Perry— is seventh in line to the British throne, and after her grandfatherKing Charlestook the throne in September 2022, she became Princess Lilibet; in February 2024, Harry and Meghan adopted Sussex as the family’s surname, making their daughter Princess Lilibet of Sussex, though PEOPLE understands that the princess title will be used in more formal settings and not in everyday use.

In 2022, Harry toldTodayhost Hoda Kotb that he was greatly enjoying fatherhood: “I love it. I love every part of it. I’ve always wanted to be a dad,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to have my own kids, and now I got two little people who I’m responsible for."

Low No. 1: The miscarriage that preceded Lilibet’s birth

After Archie was born in May 2019 and before Lilibet’s birth in 2021, Meghan wrote inan essay forThe New York Timesin 2020 that shesuffered a miscarriage.

“I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second,” she continued.

Meghan Markle at the Sept. 19, 2022 funeral of Queen Elizabeth.Getty Images

Getty Images

Harry later shared that, as Meghan pursued legal action against Associated Newspapers after a private letter to her father, Thomas Markle, was published, they believed the stress from that ordealcontributed to her miscarriage.

High No. 2: Lucrative business deals

Since stepping back as working royals five years ago, Harry and Meghan have found employment elsewhere, inking extremely lucrative contracts with Netflix, Spotify and Penguin Random House, the publisher behind Harry’s 2023 memoir,Spare, and Meghan’s 2021 children’s book,The Bench— both bestsellers. Under their Archewell Productions umbrella, Harry and Meghan’s Netflix deal — reported to be worth $100 million — has produced the 2022 six-part docuseriesHarry & Meghanas well as 2022’sLive to Lead, 2023’sHeart of Invictus, 2024’sPoloandWith Love, Meghan, set to drop eight episodes on the streaming service on Jan. 15.

The couple reportedly still have their screen adaptation of Carley Fortune’s novelMeet Me at the Lakein the works, as well as an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novelGreat Expectations. The Netflix deal hasn’t been without setbacks, though, including the cancellation ofPearl, an animated series Meghan was working on prior to its being scrapped.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend The Endeavour Fund Awards at Mansion House on March 5, 2020 in London, England.Samir Hussein/WireImage

“Our lives, both independent of each other and as a couple, have allowed us to understand the power of the human spirit: of courage, resilience and the need for connection,” Harry and Meghansaid in a statementafter the Netflix deal was announced. “Through our work with diverse communities and their environments, to shining a light on people and causes around the world, our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope.”

In addition to their deals with Spotify, Netflix and Penguin Random House, Harry and Meghan also founded the nonprofitArchewell Foundationand have poured efforts into its projects including The Parents Network and The Welcome Project.

As for their deal with Spotify — which ended in 2023 — Meghan produced the successful podcastArchetypesin 2022, which went on to become the No. 1 podcast in 47 countries and win a People’s Choice Award in the podcast category and a Gracie Award for Best Podcast.

Meghan is also preparing for the imminent launch ofher lifestyle brand, which she teased last March. The upcoming venture “will reflect everything that she loves — family, cooking, entertaining and home décor,” a source previously told PEOPLE.

“She is excited about her latest, personal venture,” the source said. “This is something she’s been wanting to do for a while. She is excited to share her style and things that she loves.”

After the couple’s Spotify deal ended in 2023, Meghan also announced a forthcoming podcast with Lemonada Mediathat Meghan called “dynamic”in a 2024 statement.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive at the United Nations Headquarters on July 18, 2022 in New York City.Michael M. Santiago/Getty

Michael M. Santiago/Getty

Low No. 2: Various business ventures

Though some of Harry and Meghan’s projects have found success, others fell through, like the couple’s Spotify deal,which collapsed in June 2023.

“Spotify and Archewell Audio have mutually agreed to part ways and are proud of the series we made together,” a joint statement from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s production company Archewell Audio and Spotify said, referring to the 12-episodeArchetypes.

A representative from WME, the talent agencythat Meghan signed within 2023, toldThe Wall Street Journalthat “The team behindArchetypesremain proud of the podcast they created at Spotify. Meghan is continuing to develop more content for theArchetypesaudience on another platform.”

In the final episode ofArchetypes, which aired in November 2022, Meghan said, “We’re working on other ways to keep the conversation going, but just know that as we close out this season ofArchetypes, that I thank you. Thank you for listening and learning with me. This has been liberating and healing, and it’s been fun.”

Meghan Markle.Spotify Podcasts/Instagram

Archetypesfocused on the stereotypes that hold women back and featured guests likeMindy Kaling,Serena Williams,Mariah CareyandParis Hilton. Upon winning a People’s Choice Award for the podcast, Meghan said in a statement, “Thank you to all the supporters and fans ofArchetypeswho voted for us for this special People’s Choice Award. I loved digging my hands into the process, sitting up late at night in bed, working on the writing and creative. And I loved digging deep into meaningful conversation with my diverse and inspiring guests, laughing and learning with them, and with each of you listening.”

“It has been such a labor of love with an amazing team who were each instrumental in helping to bring this series to life,” Meghan added.

The title and subject matter of Meghan’s forthcoming Lemonada podcast remains unknown.

High No. 3: The chance to tell their story

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive to attend the Mountbatten Music Festival at Royal Albert Hall on March 7, 2020 in London, England.Simon Dawson - WPA Pool/Getty

In a 2022 interview withThe Cut, Meghan said she was “still healing” from the events of the past few years — and how she wasexcited to be able to use her voice again, including a Jan. 1return to Instagram, her first time autonomously on the social media platform since before marrying Harry nearly seven years ago.

“When the media has shaped the story around you, it’s really nice to be able to tell your own story,” she told the outlet, adding of life in Montecito, “I feel different. I feel clearer. It’s like I’m finding — not finding my voice. I’ve had my voice for a long time, but being able to use it.”

Of her time after marrying into the royal family in 2018, “It’s interesting, I’ve never had to sign anything that restricts me from talking,” she said. “I can talk about my whole experience and make a choice not to.”

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (L), Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (2nd L), Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (3rd L), Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (3rd R), Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (2nd R) and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (R) depart Westminster Abbey after attending the annual Commonwealth Service in London on March 9, 2020.Phil Harris / POOL / AFP/ Getty

Phil Harris / POOL / AFP/ Getty

Low No. 3: The deaths of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth

In April 2021, just a month after their bombshell interview with Winfrey and two months before the birth of Lilibet, Prince Harry’s grandfatherPrince Philipdied at 99 years old. Harry returned to the U.K. for his funeral that month; Meghan, roughly seven months pregnant at the time, stayed behind in California with Archie.

Of his return to his home country over a year after his and Meghan’s step back, Harry said in theHarry & Meghandocuseries that “It was hard— especially spending time having chats with my brother and my father, who just were very much focused on the same misinterpretation of the whole situation.”

“So none of us really wanted to have to talk about it at my grandfather’s funeral, but we did,” he added of himself, Prince William and the former Prince Charles.

“I’ve had to make peace with the fact that we’re probably never going to get genuine accountability or a genuine apology [from my family],” Harry added. “My wife and I, we’re moving on. We’re focused on what’s coming next.”

Three months after they returned as a family of four for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, Harry and Meghan were in the U.K. for previously planned engagements when Queen Elizabeth died in September 2022; the couple took part in mourning her, including a joint walkabout with Prince William and Kate Middleton at Windsor Castle, where they greeted well-wishers.

Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.Getty Images

According to a royal source, William thought the walkabout to greet the crowds “was an important show of unity at an incredibly difficult time for the family,” but tensions remain to present day between Harry and both William and Charles — even as the latter continues cancer treatment into 2025. (Harry’s sister-in-law the Princess of Wales, who he was once so close to, was also diagnosed with cancer in 2024 like Charles, but announced on Sept. 9 thather chemotherapy had ended.)

High No. 4: Invictus celebrates its tenth anniversary

Though Harry flew to the U.K. to see his father, King Charles, soon after the monarch announced his cancer diagnosis on Feb. 5, Harry didn’t see the King three months later due to the King’s“full” schedule.

Speaking to PEOPLE in 2022, Prince Harrycreditedthe Invictus community as “a major part of my growth and learning.”

Samir Hussein/WireImage

“I truly believe that we are at our best when we’re in service to others, and Invictus is all about upholding that value,” he added.

Low No. 4: Losing their U.K. home base, Frogmore Cottage

Queen Elizabeth gave Harry and Meghan Frogmore Cottage, a home on the Windsor estate, as a wedding present following their May 2018 royal wedding. Even after their 2020 step back, the couple continued to use the property as their U.K. home base until they were asked tovacate the residencein 2023.

While a source told PEOPLE at the time that Harry and Meghanweren’t trying to fight the decision— adding that they’re happy to raise their kids in California — those close to the couple said the decision was “unfortunate.”

“At the end of the day, he’s going there to support his dad,” a friend of Harry’stold PEOPLEabout his decision to attend.

Prince Harry leaves after the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 6, 2023 in London, England.Getty

Getty

Colleen Harris, a former press secretary to the King and his sons, told PEOPLE of Harry’s choice to attend the event that “He would have personally regretted it if he wasn’t there to support his father. Speaking as a mother, [I believe] it was the right thing … and the King [was] delighted.”

A major sticking point in Harry’s estrangement from Charles is Harry’s ongoing battle for security for himself and his family in the U.K., which he has been fighting for in court for more than four years (in addition to other lawsuits aimed at the media,specifically the tabloid press). PEOPLE previously reported that Harry believes his father has the power to reinstate his security in the U.K.; Buckingham Palace will not comment on security provisions, but a palace source told PEOPLE the notion that Harry’s security is in the King’s hands is “wholly incorrect.”

Despite apositive meetingbetween the father and son in February 2024 following the King’scancer diagnosis, their communication has since deteriorated, and those close to Harry say the monarch no longer takes his son’s calls or responds to his letters: “He gets ‘unavailable right now,’ " a friend of Harry’stold PEOPLE. “His calls go unanswered. He has tried to reach out about the King’s health, but those calls go unanswered too.”

“Harry is frightened and feels the only person who can do anything about it is his father,” a royal insider told PEOPLE last year. Another source close to the situation added, “Harry is determined to protect his own family at all costs.”

Safety has always been a cornerstone of why Harry and Meghan said they decided to step back five years ago, and Meghan said negative press and the lack of royal support during her time as a working royal were reasons she contemplated suicide at one point.

A friend said Harry and Meghan “didn’t feel they had a choice” and that “The only option was to leave — for their sanity. I do think they thought if they got out of this bubble, there would be less focus on them.”

rince Harry, Duke of Sussex (L) and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive to attend the annual Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 9, 2020 in London, England.Dan Kitwood/Getty

That said, nothing “would give [Harry] more happiness than being able to rekindle his bond with his father. At the end of the day, you can’t undo bloodlines. He’s not asking his dad for a nicer house or nicer cars. He’s asking because of the reality of the situation. He is at risk,” a friend said.

High No. 5: Forging their own professional paths

Whereas in the beginning of their post-working royal life Harry and Meghan’s business ventures were deeply tied together, five years on, they’re forging their own professional paths. For example, Harry has solo projects, like 2021’sThe Me You Can’t Seewith Oprah Winfey and BetterUp, a coaching platform that aims to help people improve their mental fitness, where he serves as Chief Impact Officer.

For Meghan’s part, it was only her that signed with high-powered talent agency WME in 2023, and she’s taken on a solo podcast deal with Lemonada, her Netflix lifestyle series, forthcoming lifestyle brand and investments in companies like Clevr Blends, Cesta Collective and Highbrow Hippie. Sourcestold PEOPLEthat, while Harry is leaning more towards philanthropic efforts, Meghan is exploring entrepreneurial projects and commercial ventures.

KOLA SULAIMON/AFP via Getty

“It’s clear that a twin-track approach is evolving,” a friend told PEOPLE, and a royal insider added of their working dynamic, “The Duke and Duchess have now hit their stride as individuals — not just as a couple. The Duke appears focused on his patronage work, and the Duchess focused on her entrepreneurial track.”

“An entrepreneurial and enterprise focus is going to be more the Duchess’s priority and the Duke will continue to champion his not-for-profit patronages,” the friend added. “But there will be joint efforts around those cause-driven areas of work.”

Whereas the couple undertake more solo appearances than they did in the early days of their step back, they have undertaken trips together like 2024’s visits to Nigeria and Colombia.

“It is still evident they show up together for the causes they jointly support,” the royal insider said. “What we are seeing is a functional and healthy relationship with two working partners, not the contrary.”

Low No. 5: Consistent divorce rumors — and trolls

In a moment of candor, Prince Harry addressed the persistent and constant divorce rumors that dog him and Meghan while speaking atThe New York Times’DealBook Summiton Dec. 4 in New York City.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, speaks onstage during The New York Times Dealbook Summit 2024 at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Dec. 4, 2024 in New York City.Eugene Gologursky/Getty

Eugene Gologursky/Getty

“Apparently we’ve bought or moved house 10, 12 times,” Harry said. “We’ve apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well. So it’s just like, what?' "

“It’s hard to keep up with, but that’s why you just sort of ignore it. The people I feel most sorry about are the trolls,” he continued. “Their hopes are just built and built, and it’s like, ‘Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes,’ and then it doesn’t happen. So I feel sorry for them. Genuinely, I do.”

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Of his life in the U.S. post-working royal exit, Harry said, “I very much enjoy living here and bringing up my kids here. It’s a part of my life that I never thought that I was gonna live.”

“I feel as though it’s the life that my mom wanted for me,” he continued, referencing Princess Diana. “To be able to do the things I’m able to do with my kids that I undoubtedly wouldn’t be able to do in the U.K. — it’s huge. I’m hugely grateful for that.”

source: people.com