Five years have passed since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made the life-changing decision to step back from their royal duties, and they continue to make headlines, this time with a deep-dive feature from Vanity Fair.
The article provides a glimpse into their life after the monarchy, showcasing their new ventures, the challenges they’ve faced, and the relationships they’ve built since moving to California.
Vanity Fair Article on Meghan Markle
Since their departure, the couple has been far from quiet. They’ve secured various lucrative deals, focusing on both media and commercial work, while continuing to shape their public image.
Vanity Fair explores the couple’s life in Montecito, their neighborhood in California, with insights from people who have worked closely with them and even neighbors who rarely see them around.
One of the most striking revelations came from former staff members of Meghan’s podcast, Archetypes.
According to sources, working on the project was difficult for many team members, with some allegedly needing “long-term therapy” after their time with the Duchess. “She’s constantly playing checkers – not even chess – but she’s very aware of where everybody is on her board,” said a source.
The former staff claimed that Meghan’s approach could be intense, with one describing her behavior as “talking behind your back” and “gnawing at your sense of self.”
While Meghan’s leadership style has faced criticism, it’s clear that her professional environment was demanding.
The Archetypes team had to sign non-disclosure agreements, a practice that seemed to contradict her usual message of empowering individuals to speak freely.
Harry, on the other hand, has been described as somewhat disengaged from some of the couple’s media projects. One source recalled how it was “challenging” to get Harry involved in their audio projects, noting that he didn’t seem invested in the process.
Another individual mentioned, “It was clear he wasn’t that person at the time,” referring to Harry’s lack of enthusiasm for certain tasks.
Interestingly, many close to the couple believe that Harry might not crave fame in the same way Meghan does.
“He looks like the kind of guy who would happily work for charities for the rest of his life,” said a source, suggesting that Harry’s priorities lie elsewhere, perhaps in a more private life, while Meghan seems to thrive in the spotlight.
One of the more controversial aspects of the article centers around Harry’s memoir, Spare, which led to a serious fallout between him and his brother, Prince William.
The book, which contains explosive details about the royal family, particularly Harry’s strained relationship with William, has been a significant source of tension.
A source shared, “I don’t know if that’s something he understood while he was doing it,” implying that Harry may not have fully realized the consequences his words would have on his relationship with his family.
Despite the media storms and the rumors that swirl around them, Harry and Meghan’s relationship seems to remain strong.
Sources close to the couple describe them as deeply in love, with one individual saying, “They are so hot for each other,” referencing their public displays of affection and closeness.
Harry himself has denied rumors of a divorce, laughing off reports that suggested the couple was on the verge of splitting.
In recent months, the couple has been seen volunteering together, particularly in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires in California.
Their efforts to stay involved in charitable work seem to be a constant in their lives, even as they continue to navigate the challenges of life outside the royal spotlight.
It also points to the couple’s increasing estrangement from their Montecito neighbors, where several locals have made criticisms of the Sussexes, claiming they live disconnected from everyday life, in a luxury bubble.