Five years since MEGXIT!

Harry and Meghan rocked royal history with one fateful decision in 2020 has the Sussex shocker paid off?

- KERRY PARNELL

During the first few days of 2020 Prince Harry and his wife Meghan told the world that they were, effectively, leaving the Royal Family. After a short holiday in Canada, the couple tried to hold crisis talks with the Palace, but, frustrated by what they saw as a lack of action, on 8 January they went nuclear and quit. It was a surprise to everyone, not least their relatives.

'After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution,' they said. '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.' The couple declared that they planned to balance their time between the UK and North America and to 'continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties.'

It was a thunderbolt for the Palace. 'We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through,' came the official response. However, from Harry and Meghan's point of view, time had run out, and they were taking control.

Isolation

Five years on, was that decision the right one? Experts are divided. 'I believe they are much happier with their life in the US,' says royal academic Professor Pauline Maclaran. "They were obviously unhappy with the constrictions that royal life demands, so they wouldn't have been better off staying within the family.' However, she says, it must grieve Harry to be so isolated from his father. 'We will see in the future whether this relationship can be repaired,' she says.

Sky News Australia's Louise Roberts believes the move was wrong. 'They were brave because it was not an easy decision - but it was a bad decision.