An official photograph showing Prince George with Queen Elizabeth II, then Prince Charles and Prince William was the final spark that led Harry and Meghan to walk away from the royal family.
So argues biographer Andrew Morton in his book Meghan: A Hollywood Princess, where he suggests that the image reinforced in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex the idea that they no longer had a meaningful place in the future of the monarchy.
George’s Photo: Trigger for Sussexes Leaving Royal Life
According to Morton, the image – taken in the throne room at Buckingham Palace – unwittingly symbolized a dynastic order from which Harry and his family were clearly left out.
The gesture would have been interpreted by the couple as a strong signal that the path of the institution did not include them, deepening their perceived isolation and distrust within the Royal Household.
Although that photo may have been the trigger, the estrangement was not an impulsive reaction. Morton assures that the discomfort had been brewing for a long time.
In fact, she revealed that in November 2018, just six months after their wedding, Harry had already met with Oprah Winfrey at a London hotel to discuss their situation and possible paths away from the royals.
The official departure was finalized on January 8, 2020, when the Duke and Duchess announced that they would be stepping down from their roles as active members of the royal family.
In that statement they explained that the decision was taken after several months of reflection and that, although they wished to achieve financial independence, they would continue to support Queen Elizabeth II.