What Happened to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle?
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, stepped back from their roles as senior working members of the British royal family in early 2020, seeking financial independence and a more private life. They relocated to California, pursued various media ventures, and welcomed their second child, Lilibet. As of August 2026, the couple, along with their children, have moved back to the UK for an extended period, though they do not plan to resume official royal duties.
Quick Answer
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, famously stepped down as senior royals in 2020, moving to California to pursue independent careers and raise their two children, Archie and Lilibet. After several years of high-profile media projects and philanthropic work, including a Netflix documentary and Harry's memoir 'Spare,' they have recently relocated back to the UK in August 2026 for an extended stay. While they are not returning to official royal duties, their move aims to bring their children closer to the royal family and British schooling.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Announce Step Back from Royal Duties ('Megxit')
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle publicly announced their intention to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent.
Cease Royal Duties and Relocate
The couple officially ceased undertaking official engagements in support of the Queen and relocated to North America, initially Canada, then California.
Purchase Home in Montecito, California
After several months in Canada and the US, the couple bought a house in Montecito, California, establishing their new base.
Oprah Winfrey Interview
Harry and Meghan gave a widely publicized interview to Oprah Winfrey, discussing their experiences, mental health, and challenges within the royal family.
Birth of Daughter Lilibet Diana
Their second child, Lilibet 'Lili' Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, was born in Santa Barbara, California.
Attend Invictus Games in The Hague
The couple made a joint public appearance at the Invictus Games in The Hague, Netherlands, after visiting Queen Elizabeth II in London.
Queen Elizabeth II Dies; Children Become Prince and Princess
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, their children, Archie and Lilibet, became Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex.
Netflix Docuseries 'Harry & Meghan' Released
Their six-part documentary series, 'Harry & Meghan,' detailing their love story and royal struggles, premiered on Netflix.
Prince Harry's Memoir 'Spare' Published
Prince Harry's autobiography, 'Spare,' was released, becoming a bestseller and offering further insights into his life and royal experiences.
Spotify Deal Ends
The multi-year podcasting deal with Spotify, which included Meghan's 'Archetypes' podcast, ended after one season.
Attend Invictus Games 'One Year to Go' Event in Canada
Harry and Meghan attended events in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, marking one year until the 2025 Invictus Games, which will be the first winter edition.
Visit Nigeria
The couple undertook a three-day official visit to Nigeria at the invitation of the chief of defense staff, focusing on Invictus Games work and philanthropic engagements.
Prince Harry Receives Pat Tillman Award at ESPYS
Prince Harry was honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPYS for his dedication to the Invictus Games, attending with Meghan Markle.
Receive Humanitarians of the Year Award in NYC
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex traveled to New York City to receive Project Healthy Minds' Humanitarians of the Year Award for their mental health charity work.
Relocate to the UK for Extended Stay
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children, Archie and Lilibet, moved back to the UK from California for an extended period, with plans to enroll the children in British schools. They do not intend to resume working royal duties.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's journey since their 2018 marriage has been marked by a significant shift from traditional royal life. In January 2020, they announced their intention to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family, a decision widely dubbed 'Megxit,' aiming for financial independence while continuing to support the Queen. Their final official engagements as working royals took place in March 2020, culminating in the Commonwealth Day service. Following this, they initially moved to Canada before settling in Montecito, California, in June 2020, purchasing a $14.65 million mansion.
In the years that followed, the couple embarked on various commercial and philanthropic ventures through their Archewell Inc. organization. A major turning point was their highly publicized interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, where they discussed their experiences within the royal family, including Meghan's mental health struggles and accusations of racism. They signed lucrative multi-year deals with Netflix (reportedly worth around $60 million) and Spotify (estimated at $15-18 million), producing content like their 'Harry & Meghan' docuseries (December 2022) and Meghan's 'Archetypes' podcast. However, their Spotify partnership ended in 2023 after one season. In 2023, Prince Harry released his revealing memoir, 'Spare,' which became a bestseller and further detailed his life and relationship with the royal family.
Their family grew with the birth of their daughter, Lilibet Diana, in June 2021, joining their son, Archie Harrison, born in May 2019. Both children were officially recognized as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet following Queen Elizabeth II's death in September 2022. Throughout this period, Harry remained actively involved with the Invictus Games, attending events in 2022 (The Hague) and 2023 (Düsseldorf), and participating in 'One Year to Go' events for the 2025 Games in Canada in February 2024. They also undertook public engagements, including a three-day tour of New York City in September 2021 and a visit to Nigeria in May 2024.
As of August 2026, a significant development is their relocation back to the UK with their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5. Reports indicate they flew into Britain on August 26, 2026, and are searching for a new home, possibly in the Cotswolds, and have enrolled their children in a British school. This move is for an 'extended period' but does not signify a return to working royal duties. Their relationship with the wider royal family, particularly Prince William, remains strained, though King Charles III is reportedly keen to include them in family gatherings. Meghan Markle is reportedly considering a return to acting and focusing on her 'As Ever' brand, while Harry continues his philanthropic work. Their combined net worth is estimated at $60 million in 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made different choices?