Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have now been married for more than six years. Their wedding in May 2018 captured the world’s attention, a grand and glamorous affair that symbolized a modern era for the Royal Family. But behind the scenes, tensions were already beginning to surface—tensions that would ultimately lead the couple to step back from royal duties just two years later.

The couple’s journey began in 2016 when they were set up on a blind date in London. Meghan was in town for the Wimbledon tennis tournament, and their first meeting took place at Soho House. Though Harry arrived late, texting his apologies while stuck in traffic, the connection between them was immediate. Despite the rocky start, Meghan described the evening as fun and easy-going, while Harry admitted to being nervous and flustered.

That first date led to another the very next day, and their relationship quickly blossomed. From the start, they maintained a long-distance romance filled with late-night calls, texts, and FaceTime chats. It was clear they had found something special. Meghan eventually moved to the UK, and their bond grew stronger.

But not everyone was on board with the rapid pace of their romance. Prince William, Harry’s older brother, reportedly voiced concern about how quickly things were progressing. According to the biography Finding Freedom by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, William advised Harry to “take things slow” and “get to know this girl,” a remark that reportedly didn’t sit well with Harry. He felt protective of Meghan and took offense at what he saw as his brother’s judgment.

Despite this early friction, Meghan initially got along well with the Royal Family. She even had a warm first meeting with Prince William, who was said to be eager to meet the woman who had made his brother so happy. Meghan, aware of the scrutiny she might face, had prepared for a more intense introduction but was pleasantly surprised.

However, over time, cracks began to appear—especially in her relationship with Kate Middleton. While the public hoped Meghan and Kate would become close allies within the Royal Family, the reality was different. According to Finding Freedom, the two women struggled to form a bond. Meghan had hoped Kate would guide her and help her navigate the unique pressures of royal life, but that support reportedly never came.

Meghan’s adjustment to royal life was further complicated by the relentless pressure from the British press and the lack of institutional support. Harry, too, faced internal struggles. In his memoir Spare, he recounted a moment early in their relationship when he lost his temper during a disagreement with Meghan. He admitted to speaking harshly, a reaction he later reflected on as deeply inappropriate. Meghan calmly but firmly told him she would not tolerate that kind of behavior, especially in a future co-parent. That conversation became a turning point for Harry, who acknowledged he needed help and agreed to revisit therapy.

The mounting strain eventually led Harry and Meghan to step away from their royal roles in 2020. The decision was shocking to many, but for the couple, it was a necessary move to protect their mental health and establish boundaries.

In the years since their departure from royal life, the relationship between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family has deteriorated significantly. Public statements, interviews, and Harry’s book have only deepened the divide. While Harry is said to miss aspects of his life in the UK, any chance of reconciliation appears distant.

According to royal commentator Tom Quinn, Meghan remains hesitant to re-engage with the Royal Family without significant gestures from them. She reportedly feels the institution must take responsibility and offer a genuine apology for past grievances. Without that, any talks of reunification may remain just speculation.

Harry, while open to mending fences, is fully supportive of his wife. The couple has also expressed concerns over security in the UK, making any return—especially with their children—highly unlikely under current conditions.

Ultimately, the story of Harry and Meghan is one of love, resilience, and transformation. What began as a whirlwind romance has evolved into a shared mission to redefine their roles on their own terms. While the rift with the Royal Family remains unresolved, the couple continues to build a new life focused on family, purpose, and healing.