Prince Harry has landed in Vancouver Island, Canada, to reunite with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their son, Archie. The move comes after Harry officially stepped down from his royal duties, marking a significant shift in the dynamics of the British monarchy.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wave from the steps of St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London on May 19, 2018, after their wedding ceremony
The couple’s decision to step back from their roles as senior royals sent shockwaves across the globe, prompting a period of intense media scrutiny and public debate. Harry, in an emotional speech, expressed his sadness at the situation, emphasizing that he felt forced to choose between his royal obligations and his family’s privacy.
Meanwhile, back in London, Prince William, Harry’s elder brother and future king, is adapting to his increased responsibilities. He recently hosted his first solo state reception at Buckingham Palace, a task that traditionally would have fallen to both brothers.
Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, attends a UK-Africa Investment Summit at Buckingham Palace on January 20, 2020, in London, England.
The geographical distance between the brothers symbolizes a growing rift within the royal family. Harry’s decision to prioritize his wife and child over his royal duties signifies a departure from tradition and a desire for a more independent life. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have made it clear that they are seeking a different path, one that allows them greater control over their privacy and public image.
Their new life in Canada represents a fresh start, free from the constraints of royal protocol. However, it also presents new challenges. The couple will need to establish a sustainable income stream and determine how they will manage their security in the long term.
There is much speculation about their future endeavors. Some suggest they might follow in the Obamas’ footsteps, establishing a production company or signing a deal with a streaming service like Netflix.
Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, speaks as he attends a reception to support the travel industry at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on January 23, 2020, in Edinburgh, Scotland
For now, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex retain their HRH titles and remain working royals until the spring. This suggests that a return to Britain in the coming months is not out of the question.
One of the main reasons for their departure was the relentless media attention they faced in the UK. The question remains whether they will find the peace and privacy they crave in Canada. The country has strict privacy laws, partly implemented to protect William and Harry during their youth. However, the couple’s recent appearances in public, captured by the paparazzi, suggest that their life in Canada may not be entirely free from media scrutiny.
