The Prince's "Wake-Up Call" and the Factors That Led to Their Departure

Prince Harry's decision to step back from his role as a senior working royal was significantly influenced by an event involving Prince George. This incident served as a pivotal moment for the Duke, prompting him to re-evaluate his position within the monarchy. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's announcement in January 2020, declaring their intention to leave the Firm, sent shockwaves globally.

Prior to the announcement, Buckingham Palace released a photograph featuring Queen Elizabeth, King Charles, Prince William, and a young Prince George. Royal author Andrew Morton suggests that the Sussexes perceived this image, which highlighted the future of the monarchy, as evidence that the institution was working against them. They believed the unspoken message was that the monarchy's future was secure, regardless of their involvement.

Harry's concerns were further solidified when a planned meeting with the Queen to discuss his royal future was canceled. This reinforced his feeling that their position within the Royal Family was not highly valued, despite their international popularity. Charles reportedly suspected that the meeting's postponement was due to concerns that any informal agreements made by the Queen would be used by Harry in negotiations.

In January 2020, Harry and Meghan formally announced their decision to step down from their roles. Their statement explained their intention to transition and carve out a new role, becoming financially independent while continuing to support the Queen. They acknowledged the encouragement they had received, particularly in recent years, as a factor in their decision. Following a summit, the couple and the royals mutually agreed that they would step down from their senior working roles and refrain from using their titles for commercial purposes.