Which Royal Couple Left the Royal Family: Harry and Meghan's Controversial Departure
The most recent high-profile royal couple to leave the British royal family is undoubtedly Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. In January 2020, they announced their decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family, seeking both financial independence and a more private life. Their departure sparked significant media coverage and discussions about the dynamics and expectations within the royal family.
A Historic Example: Edward VIII's Abdication
King Edward VIII is a well-known historical example of a royal who left the throne. He abdicated in December 1936, just before his coronation, after a mere nine months on the throne. Edward made this controversial decision to marry Mrs. Wallis Simpson, an American who had been divorced twice. Edward's reign was marked by personal turmoil and limited ability to carry out his duties. Initially, Mrs. Simpson had high hopes of becoming queen, but unfortunately for her, she faced significant social and religious barriers which led to her and Edward living in exile.
James Hewitt's Son Repeats History: Prince Harry's Decision
Prince Harry, though not as well-known for his abdication, followed a similar path to King Edward VIII. He is the younger son of Charles, Prince of Wales, and the late Princess Diana. There is a rumor that Harry might be the biological son of Major James Hewitt. Despite this, Harry and Meaghan Markle (Meghan) have made headlines for their own controversial decision to leave the royal family. It involved getting married to a divorced American, Meghan, which is similar to Edward's decision, albeit on a less grand scale.
Harry's actions are often seen as a response to his complex emotional and psychological background, including questioning his parentage, the loss of his mother, and finding himself in a lesser position compared to his brother, William. The couple's decision was not without criticism, with many pointing to the manipulation they faced from Meghan.
The Aftermath: Exile and Rejection
Both Edward and Harry faced a similar fate after their controversial departures. In Edward's case, the British government was eager to distance themselves from a man with pro-Nazi sympathies and ended his reign abruptly. The Church, which Edward was head of, disapproved of his marriage, leading to his abdication. Edward and Wallis lived in exile, facing a life without the royal status they once enjoyed. They struggled in the public eye, becoming social outcasts with unclear paths forward.
Harry and Meghan, on the other hand, entered a more challenging period after stepping back from the royal family. They faced public scrutiny and criticism for their decision. Like Edward, they too live a more private life, maintaining some connection to the royal family but not the same level of public prominence. The couple has also engaged in activism and charitable work, using their platform to advocate for issues such as mental health and environmental conservation.
The departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from the royal family is a complex and multifaceted story, reflecting the changing dynamics of royal roles and the pressures faced by modern members of the royal family.
Keywords: royal family, Harry and Meghan, abdication