In early 2018, tensions simmered between Prince Harry and his father, Prince Charles, the then-Prince of Wales, regarding financial support for Meghan Markle. According to Robert Jobson’s book, “Our King: Charles III — The Man and the Monarch Revealed,” Prince Charles made it clear to Harry that he could not fully support him and Meghan financially. This decision left Harry infuriated, as it meant that the lifestyle he envisioned for his soon-to-be wife would not be possible without external funding.

Prince Charles, who received annual earnings from the Duchy of Cornwall, explained to Harry that his resources were already stretched. Supporting Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William, Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, and their young family was already a significant financial burden. Unlike what some might assume, Prince Charles did not rely on funding from Queen Elizabeth II’s Sovereign Grant, which further limited his ability to provide additional support.

These revelations are consistent with the frustrations Harry detailed in his memoir, “Spare,” where he lamented his inability to earn money to support his family. The timing of these financial discussions coincided with Harry’s legal battle to retain taxpayer-funded security, which he lost in the High Court. Documents from the case, decided on February 28, revealed that Harry even demanded to know who specifically authorized the removal of the Sussexes’ security four years ago.

In early 2020, Harry and Meghan made the momentous decision to leave the United Kingdom, a move that has since been dubbed “Megxit.” While the reasons for their departure have been widely debated, it is clear that financial constraints and security concerns played a significant role. Government-funded royal security is typically provided only to senior royals who actively work for or receive funding from the annual Sovereign Grant. This principle, along with the expectation that such royals reside full-time in Britain, was a key factor in the Sussexes’ departure.

In February 2020, Prince Harry filed a claim against the British Home Office after their decision to withdraw his security. He released a statement in December defending his actions, expressing the profound impact the situation had on him and Meghan. “With great sadness, my wife and I felt forced to step back from our roles and leave the country in 2020. The U.K. is my home. It is central to the heritage of my children, and I want them to feel at home there, just as they do where they currently reside in the United States,” Harry stated, underscoring his deep connection to the United Kingdom.

The combination of financial limitations imposed by Prince Charles and the loss of security significantly influenced Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from their royal duties and relocate. As they continue to build their lives in the United States, these early financial and security challenges remain pivotal moments in their journey.