On February 19, it was officially revealed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been stripped of their links to royal and military patronages.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family,” a statement issued by Buckingham Palace read.
“Following conversations with The Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.”
But the shock announcement is just one of many times Meghan and Harry turned heads with their unroyal-like behavior.
OK! looks back at the tumultuous 2020 that led Harry and Meghan to their ultimate split from the royal family.
Shock Announcement
Jaws dropped around the world when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced that they would be taking a step back from their royal duties on January 8, 2020. The duo said they planned to transition into a more “progressive new role” within the institution.
“We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen,” Harry and Meghan shared in a statement at the time.
The couple planned to start their lives anew in North America with son Archie. While their separation caused a strain in their relationship with the royals, it was later revealed in October that Harry and Meghan warned Prince Charles and Prince William about their departure.
Cutting Ties
Harry and Meghan officially stepped away from their royal duties in March to begin their new lives in California.
The power couple’s exit, which became known as ‘Megxit,’ took place more than a year after they tied the knot in England in May 2018. Harry and Meghan welcomed Archie the following year.
A Move To Hollywood?!
When they said they were separating themselves, they clearly meant it! Harry and Meghan shocked the world when they packed their bags and left London for good. The couple found a new home in Santa Barbara, Calif., in the celeb filled Montecito community for $14.65 million.
“They feel the new house is a place of peace,” a source said at the time. The lovebirds tried living in Los Angeles, Calif., but Harry “absolutely hated” the lack of privacy.
The famed couple decided to move to California in an effort to “rebrand themselves” in the public eye, a source previously reported. “Harry’s determined to make it in Hollywood, just as much as Meghan.”
Netflix Bombshell
Amid starting their new lives in the U.S., Harry and Meghan announced they signed a $150 million Netflix deal on September 2 to form their own production company that will make feature films, documentaries, scripted shows and children’s programming. Royals producing entertainment? Unheard of!
However, “It was too tempting to resist,” a source previously dished, adding that the couple is hoping this new opportunity will be a “way of rebuilding their reputation.”