The Unveiling of Prince Harry's Turbulent Journey: From Royal Departure to Meghan Markle's Revelatory Tell-All and Beyond

Prince Harry's relationship with his relatives is intricate and convoluted.

Harry, being the youngest son of King Charles III and the late Princess Diana, had an apparently inseparable bond with his elder brother, Prince William, during their childhood. However, as they reached adulthood, their relationship gradually deteriorated.

According to an insider in November 2019, Harry has always felt overshadowed by his brother and is aware of the immense responsibilities that come with being the future king of England. William, on the other hand, is often seen as the favored one and Harry feels the pressure to live up to that image.

The rift between the brothers widened in March 2021 when Harry and Meghan Markle discussed their decision to step back from their royal duties in a revealing interview with CBS. During the television special, the couple accused some members of the royal family of engaging in racist behavior, without naming specific individuals. In response, William stated, "We strongly deny any claims of racism within our family."

Charles commended Harry and Meghan during his first speech as king in September 2022. However, their relationship further deteriorated following the release of Harry's revealing memoir, Spare, in January 2023. In the book, Harry made numerous accusations against his father and brother. Take a retrospective journey and explore Harry's various highs and lows with the royal family throughout the years.

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Prince Harry's Ups and Downs With the Royal Family Over the Years, From Royal Exit to Meghan Markle Tell-All and More

Prince Harry's relationship with his relatives is complex and complicated.

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Harry, the youngest son of King Charles III and the late Princess Diana, had a close bond with his older brother, Prince William, during their childhood. However, as they matured, their relationship began to show signs of strain.

According to an insider speaking to We in November 2019, Harry has always felt overshadowed by his brother. He does not envy the weighty responsibilities that come with being the future king of England, but he perceives William as the favored one, placing pressure on Harry to measure up to expectations.

The rift between the brothers widened in March 2021 when Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, disclosed their decision to step back from their royal duties in a revealing interview with CBS. In the TV special, the Sussexes accused unidentified members of the royal family of engaging in racist behavior. In response, William asserted, "We are not a racist family."

Although Charles commended Harry and Meghan in his first address as king in September 2022, his relationship with Harry became more strained after the Duke of Sussex published his revealing memoir, Spare, in January 2023. In this memoir, Harry made multiple accusations against his father and brother.

Keep scrolling for a look back at Harry's ups and downs with the royal family over the years:

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The Courtship

Some of the tension between William and Harry goes back to 2016 when the Archewell cofounder began dating Meghan. As per Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand's book Finding Freedom, William urged his brother to proceed cautiously with the Suits alum, but Harry was displeased with the advice. "Harry was annoyed... that his brother would make such a request," the authors wrote.

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Marrying Meghan

When the wedding bells rang for Harry and Meghan in May 2018, William proudly stood by his brother's side as the best man. Kensington Palace conveyed in a statement at that time, "The Duke of Cambridge is deeply privileged to have received this request and eagerly anticipates providing unwavering support to his beloved sibling."

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Fighting Back

Following the publication of a letter from Meghan to her father, Thomas Markle, in a British newspaper, Harry made an unprecedented statement condemning the "British tabloid press" for spreading untrue and harmful stories about his wife. In October 2019, he stated, "In simple terms, this is bullying that intimidates and silences individuals. We all understand that this is unacceptable, regardless of the circumstances. We cannot and will not accept a world without accountability for such actions."

During the same month, Harry acknowledged in an ITV documentary that he and his brother were pursuing separate paths. An insider informed Us at the time, "William is deeply concerned about Harry and Meghan. Although the brothers have grown distant, William still cares for Harry and hopes that he will confide in him about his current struggles. William wants to support Harry and despises seeing him in such a distressed state. Despite their disputes, family ties remain strong."

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Stepping Down

In January 2020, the world was left in astonishment when the Sussexes revealed their intention to relinquish their positions as full-time working members of the royal family, thereby causing profound shock within Harry's family. Expressing his deep discontent, an insider informed Us that Charles was infuriated by this decision, with the Prince of Wales strongly placing the blame on Meghan for the ensuing circumstances.

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The Tell-All Interview

Tensions between Harry and his relatives reached their peak in March 2021 when he and Meghan participated in a revealing interview broadcasted on CBS. Amidst numerous shocking revelations, the most significant one was the claim made by the author of Bench, stating that a member of the royal family had inquired about the potential shade of Archie's skin prior to his arrival.

Later in the year, a book claimed that Charles had made the remarks about skin color, but the prince rejected the allegations, stating, "This is a work of fiction and does not merit any additional remark." Scobie added that the future king supposedly sought legal advice as well.

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Prince Philip's Funeral

Tensions between Harry and William seemed to have eased in April 2021 when they briefly reunited for their grandfather's funeral. However, according to royal expert Robert Lacey, the duo quickly began quarreling behind closed doors. Lacey, a Crown consultant, expressed in an op-ed for the Daily Mail that the rage and anger between the two have intensified significantly. He stated, "Too many harsh and hurtful things have been said."

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Reuniting With William

The brothers came together once more in July 2021 to reveal a statue dedicated to their beloved late mother. According to an insider, there was no reconciliation during the funeral, but they had plans to reconcile during the event. Furthermore, the insider shared that ever since the arrival of the baby, both brothers have shown willingness to move forward and rebuild their bond. They are now ready to put the past behind them and foster a positive relationship once again.

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The Book

In July 2021, Harry caused another surprise when he announced his plans to write a memoir, scheduled for publication in 2022. The Me You Can't See producer stated, "I am writing this not as the prince I once was, but as the man I have become. Throughout the years, I have embraced various roles, both literally and metaphorically. My intention in sharing my story, including the highs and lows, mistakes, and lessons, is to highlight our commonalities despite our different backgrounds."

However, his family did not share the same enthusiasm. According to a source, the royal family was greatly unsettled by the news, with Charles and William expressing particular concern about the potential revelations in Harry's memoir.

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Trying Again

In December 2021, it was disclosed by an insider that efforts were being made by Charles and his youngest son to reconcile their differences. However, it was acknowledged that there was still considerable work to be done. The insider revealed that Charles and Harry were engaged in communication, although they were not speaking as frequently as before the tell-all interview. The source highlighted that there were still numerous unresolved issues that both of them needed to address in order to move forward.

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Charles Is 'Proud'

Following reports of communication between Charles and Harry, it was notable that the Prince of Wales expressed rare support for his son's dedication towards tackling global warming.

Charles expressed his pride as a father in the recognition of this threat by his sons. In the January 2022 issue of Newsweek, he stated, "I am proud that my sons have recognized this threat." He continued by acknowledging the commendable efforts of William, his elder son, who recently launched the prestigious Earthshot Prize. This initiative aims to incentivize change and contribute to the restoration of our planet in the coming decade. Additionally, Charles highlighted the passionate endeavors of his younger son, Harry, who has been actively raising awareness about the impact of climate change, particularly in relation to Africa. Furthermore, Harry has made a commitment for his charity to achieve net zero emissions.

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Staying Away

A spokesperson for the Sussexes confirmed to Us in March 2022 that Harry wouldn't be returning to the U.K. for an event commemorating his late grandfather Prince Philip later that month.

“It's disappointing [because] there doesn't seem to be any valid reason why he can't attend,” royal expert Robert Jobson exclusively told Us in March 2022 regarding Harry's decision not to make the journey, adding, “He's scheduled to go to Holland for the Invictus Games shortly after.” Jobson also expressed that it shows a lack of respect towards his family that Harry won't be present for the occasion.

The Duke of Edinburgh: A Century of Royalty's Remarkable Journey, the author of the book, further asserted that contrary to reports, there appears to be a strained relationship between Charles and Harry currently, with various ups and downs. The author mentioned that Harry's upcoming memoir, anticipated to reveal intimate details, has the potential to further deepen the divide within the royal family, making it harder for reconciliation to take place.

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The Surprise Visit

On their journey to the Netherlands for the Invictus Games in April 2022, Harry and Meghan decided to make a detour in England to pay a visit to the queen. Notably, the couple chose not to revisit the U.K. for Philip's memorial service, which took place a month earlier, due to their ongoing dispute with the Home Office regarding police protection during potential visits.

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June 2022

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex journeyed to England accompanied by their two children, Archie and Lilibet, to commemorate the queen on her Platinum Jubilee.

Commencing the four-day festivities was Trooping the Colour, a grand parade paying homage to the queen's remarkable 70-year reign. While it is customary for all royal family members to stand alongside the monarch on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the parade, Elizabeth declared in May that only "those members of the Royal Family who are currently undertaking official public duties" would be present with her. Consequently, the couple opted to join the extended family in the Major General's Office, which provides a picturesque view of the grounds.

The duke also was not wearing his usual military uniform, after being stripped of his labels following his decision to step down from his royal duties in March 2020. 

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Beyond Repair?

Two months after their return to the U.K., Meghan disclosed that Harry felt that his relationship with Charles had been impaired due to their choice to depart from the royal family. In an August 2022 interview with The Cut, she revealed, "Harry expressed to me, 'I lost my dad in this process.'" She also added, "It doesn't have to be the same for them as it was for me [and my father, Thomas Markle], but that's his decision."

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Showing Up for the Queen

Harry's spokesperson announced that he would be visiting Balmoral, Scotland in September 2022 to meet with the monarch before her passing at the age of 96. While Harry made the trip, Meghan stayed in London as they had a prior commitment in the city. Additionally, Harry honored his late grandmother on the Archewell website by writing, "In loving memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022."

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King Charles III Expresses His 'Love' for Harry and Meghan

One day after Queen Elizabeth's death, the king made mention of the Sussexes in his inaugural speech with a touching gesture.

“I want ... to express my love for Harry and Meghan, as they continue to build their lives overseas,” the monarch stated.

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Reunited in Grief

After the death of the queen in September 2022, a trusted source revealed that William had organized for his brother and Meghan to join him and Kate in meeting mourners near Windsor Castle. The source explained that William extended an invitation to Harry and Meghan, who were slightly delayed in their arrival due to making arrangements.

During the interactions with supporters, Harry expressed his thoughts publicly for the first time regarding the loss of his grandmother. He stated, "Without her, it feels lonely up there," pointing towards Windsor. "Wherever she was, her presence could be felt in every room."

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The Queen’s Funeral Processions

On September 13, 2022, Harry was at Buckingham Palace to receive the queen’s casket. The following day, alongside his family members, he participated in a procession to Westminster Hall for a service. Unlike Prince Andrew, Harry was not wearing a military uniform during this time. Initially, he was not granted the same exception to wear his uniform for the final vigil.

"[Prince Harry] will be attired in a morning suit for the duration of the events dedicated to his grandmother's honor. His ten-year military service is not defined by the uniform he adorns, and we kindly request that attention remains on the life and the enduring influence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," he conveyed in a statement relayed by a spokesperson during that time.

Following the criticism, Harry obtained authorization to wear his uniform for the ultimate vigil on September 17. Subsequently, two days later, he opted for a morning suit for the state funeral, partaking in the processions alongside his family and attending the services with Meghan.

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Remembering Past Controversies

In a Netflix episode airing in December 2022, Harry & Meghan, the prince reflects on the scandal surrounding his choice of a Nazi costume in 2005. Regretfully, he acknowledges that it was a significant error, expressing his deep shame and sincere desire to rectify the situation.

Harry proceeded to recount his efforts to reconcile with those he had offended, particularly the Jewish community. "Meeting with the chief rabbi in London had a profound impact on me," he reflected. "I also traveled to Berlin to engage with a Holocaust survivor. Instead of repeating the same mistakes, I chose to confront and learn from them."

In 2005, he publicly expressed remorse for his mistake, stating, "I sincerely apologize if I caused offense or embarrassment to anyone. It was an inappropriate costume choice and I deeply regret it."

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Marrying for Love

During an episode of Harry & Meghan in December 2022, Harry expressed that many individuals, especially men, may feel tempted to marry someone who fits societal expectations rather than someone they may be truly meant to be with. He emphasized the importance of making decisions with both the head and the heart, drawing inspiration from his mother who predominantly made choices based on her emotions. It is evident that Harry's upbringing has influenced his own approach to relationships.

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'Compelled' to Speak

Recalling his time as a senior royal, Harry drew parallels between his own encounters and his mother's challenges under the public gaze. He shed light on his motivation to share their personal narratives, stating, "[Diana] felt compelled to talk about it. Especially in that Panorama interview. I think we all now know that she was deceived into giving the interview, but at the same time she spoke the truth of her experience," as highlighted in Netflix's Harry & Meghan. "Throughout her life and even more so after her separation from my father, my mother faced unrelenting harassment that escalated to unimaginable levels... I witnessed firsthand the hardships and tribulations endured by women who join this institution. I remember pondering, 'How could I ever find someone who is willing and capable of withstanding the burdens that come with being by my side?'"

Earlier in the docuseries, which premiered in December 2022, he expressed to the cameras a profound sentiment: "This is an extraordinary tale of love. What's even more astonishing is that I believe this love story has only just begun. [Meghan] made immense sacrifices - leaving behind her familiar life and the freedom she possessed - to become a part of my world. And shortly thereafter, I made the ultimate sacrifice, abandoning everything I knew to embrace her world." 

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Moving Forward

In a clip from his January 2023 60 Minutes interview, Harry revealed the reason behind his and Meghan's ongoing transparency about their royal journey and departure. Expressing his frustration, he highlighted the continuous occurrence of private discussions being exposed and false stories being circulated about him and his wife. Despite the family motto of never complaining or explaining, Harry emphasized that there comes a time when remaining silent becomes a betrayal. Against this backdrop, he shed light on their decision to speak out.

Harry also had a conversation with ITV's Tom Bradby, where he candidly discussed his connections with Charles and William. "I desire a family, not an institution. ... They've demonstrated absolutely no inclination to mend fences," he stated. "I long to restore my bond with my father. I yearn to regain my closeness with my brother."

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The Nazi Costume

In January 2023, Harry revealed in his memoir, Spare, that his brother and sister-in-law had initially expressed support for his controversial choice of a Nazi costume for a Halloween party in 2005. "I called up Willy and Kate, asking for their opinion. They actually thought the Nazi uniform was a good idea," he recounted. "So, I went ahead and rented the costume, along with a comical mustache, and returned to the house." Harry further added, "I tried on the outfit in front of them, and they both burst out laughing."

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The Physical Altercation

The BetterUp CIO made a statement in Spare, revealing his involvement in a physical altercation with William. The incident reportedly occurred after William used derogatory terms to refer to Meghan, describing her as "difficult" and "rude". Reflecting on the 2019 event, Harry shared, "Everything unfolded in a whirlwind, unimaginably fast. He forcefully grabbed my collar, tearing off my necklace, and forcefully pushed me to the ground. As my back hit the dogs' bowl, it fractured, causing the pieces to lacerate my skin. Momentarily dazed, I lay there before regaining my composure and instructing him to leave."

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The Duel

According to Harry, he and William engaged in a "duel" following his return to the U.K. for Philip's funeral in 2021. Reflecting on the meeting at Frogmore Gardens during his royal departure, he expressed, "I made an effort to convey my perspective. I was determined not to allow this encounter to deteriorate into yet another argument. However, I soon realized that it was beyond my control."

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The Coronation

Harry was present at his father's coronation in May 2023, although he did not hold any official role in the ceremony. He occupied a seat in the third row during the church service and did not take part in the procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace. Additionally, Harry was not present on the balcony alongside Charles and other members of the royal family when they greeted the assembled crowd.

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‘No Desire to Communicate’

William is hoping for an improvement in his relationship with his brother, despite their current lack of communication, as revealed by an exclusive source to Us in October 2023. The timing for a potential reconciliation remains uncertain.

In contrast, Kate has no intention of engaging in communication with Harry and Meghan. The insider explained that due to the series of events that have unfolded, Kate is not yet prepared to initiate any form of contact.