In what would become their final official royal tour, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle embarked on a trip to Southern Africa that captivated their fans but ended on a rather somber note. At the time, few could have predicted that this journey would mark the last occasion the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would represent the British Crown overseas. Just months after their return, the couple announced their intention to step back from their roles as senior, publicly-funded members of the Royal Family, a decision that sent shockwaves throughout the world.
The tour itself was well-received and featured several significant engagements that highlighted the couple’s commitment to social causes. However, according to royal historian Robert Lacey, the tour’s conclusion hinted at deeper, unresolved issues that were coming to a head for Harry and Meghan. In an ITV documentary titled “Harry & Meghan: An African Journey,” filmed during the tour, both Meghan and Harry opened up about their struggles, offering a rare glimpse into the emotional toll that their royal duties were taking on them.
In one candid interview conducted by journalist Tom Bradby, Prince Harry acknowledged that his relationship with his elder brother, Prince William, was strained, stating that they were “on different paths at the moment.” However, Harry expressed his enduring love for William despite the rift. He also touched on his ongoing grief for his mother, Princess Diana, who tragically died in 1997 when he was just 12 years old. He described this loss as “a wound that festers,” underscoring the lasting impact her death has had on his life.
Meghan, too, shared her struggles during the documentary. Despite her seemingly confident appearance while fulfilling her royal duties, she revealed the profound difficulties she faced living under intense public scrutiny. She spoke openly about the particular challenges she faced during her pregnancy, describing how vulnerable women can feel during that time. Meghan admitted that coping with the added pressures of royal life and the media attention made things “really challenging.” She added, “When you have a newborn… especially as a woman, it’s really, it’s a lot. So you add this on top of just trying to be a new mum or trying to be a newlywed.”
When asked by Bradby how she was managing, Meghan’s response was both poignant and revealing. She thanked him for asking, noting that “not many people have asked if I’m okay.” Her words resonated deeply as she confessed to struggling behind the scenes, her voice trailing off as she fought back tears. This emotional disclosure was seen by many as marking a turning point for the couple, signaling the beginning of their exit from the royal family.
Royal expert Robert Lacey commented on the emotional impact of these revelations, describing them as casting a “sad” shadow over what had otherwise been a successful and promising tour. He noted that the tour ended not with triumph, but with a sense of melancholy, as the couple’s personal struggles came to light.
Following their move to California, both Harry and Meghan continued to speak openly about the challenges they faced during their time as working royals. Meghan, in a candid interview with Oprah Winfrey, shared that she had experienced suicidal thoughts during her pregnancy, highlighting the severity of her distress. Meanwhile, Harry detailed the deterioration of his relationship with Prince William in his memoir, “Spare,” revealing more about the internal conflicts that ultimately led to their decision to step back from royal duties.
The couple’s revelations have continued to shape public perception of their departure from royal life. Their decision to leave the Royal Family and start anew in America has been the subject of much debate and speculation, with opinions divided over whether their departure was an escape from an untenable situation or a rejection of their royal responsibilities.
Their experiences and the way they have shared them publicly have underscored the pressures of life within the royal family and the impact it can have on personal well-being. The legacy of their final tour of Southern Africa remains a poignant reminder of a pivotal moment for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex—a moment that foreshadowed a dramatic shift in their lives and their roles within the British monarchy.