Since stepping back from official royal duties in early 2020, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, have remained prominent public figures globally. Their departure from royal life, often referred to as “Megxit,” was formalized following discussions with Queen Elizabeth II and other senior royal family members, as confirmed by Buckingham Palace in January 2020【royal.uk】.
In the years since, the Duke and Duchess have relocated to the United States, pursued independent charitable and media ventures, and occasionally addressed topics related to their former roles. While the decision to step back has drawn both support and criticism from various public figures, Meghan and Harry continue to maintain a high-profile presence through their organization, Archewell Foundation, and select public appearances.
Background on the Couple’s Royal Exit
In January 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex issued a joint statement via their official website indicating their intention to step back as senior members of the British royal family. Their goal, they said, was to achieve financial independence while continuing to support the Queen and various charitable endeavors. This move was later formalized through discussions with Buckingham Palace, resulting in their agreement not to use the “HRH” titles and to relinquish public funding through the Sovereign Grant【BBC News】【The Guardian】.
Since then, the couple has settled in Montecito, California, with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and has focused on personal projects. Through the Archewell Foundation, the couple has launched various initiatives in mental health, media literacy, and community service. They also signed partnerships with Spotify, Netflix, and Penguin Random House, resulting in high-profile content like Harry & Meghan (Netflix, 2022) and Prince Harry’s memoir Spare (2023).
Commentary from Media Figures and Former Acquaintances
In the wake of their transition to private life, numerous commentators and media personalities have weighed in on the Sussexes’ decisions. In June 2025, TV personality Lizzie Cundy, a UK-based presenter, shared critical remarks about Meghan Markle during an interview. Cundy claimed to have interacted with the Duchess of Sussex in the years prior to her royal engagement and expressed disappointment over the couple’s direction since stepping back.
While these statements have circulated in UK tabloid coverage, it is important to note that neither Buckingham Palace nor the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have responded to Cundy’s remarks, and no official record verifies a formal or long-standing friendship between the two.
It is common for public figures, particularly royals and former royals, to attract commentary from various individuals, many of whom may not have direct involvement in their current lives. Readers are advised to refer to reputable sources such as BBC, Reuters, and People Magazine when seeking verified updates on members of the royal family and their engagements.
Trooping the Colour 2025: Attendance and Observations
Trooping the Colour, the annual event that marks the official birthday of the British sovereign, took place on Saturday, June 15, 2025. This event, dating back to the 17th century, features a military parade, an RAF flypast, and an appearance by senior royal family members on the Buckingham Palace balcony【Royal.uk】【BBC News】.
This year’s celebration was led by King Charles III, with appearances by Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Catherine, and other working royals. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were not present, consistent with their decision in 2020 to step away from public royal duties. Since their departure, they have not regularly attended major royal events unless formally invited or for specific occasions like Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee (2022) or King Charles III’s Coronation (2023).
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not issue any public statement related to their absence. Instead, they observed the Father’s Day weekend privately in the U.S., as confirmed by media outlets such as People and Town & Country.
Father’s Day Post: A Personal Family Moment
On Sunday, June 16, 2025, Meghan Markle shared a personal message on social media celebrating Father’s Day. The post featured a short video with behind-the-scenes moments of Prince Harry with their children, reflecting the family’s personal observance of the day. The post, shared through the couple’s verified social media channels, was warmly received by their followers and focused on family bonding, without reference to royal events or public affairs.
This kind of content reflects the couple’s broader shift toward personal storytelling and community-based outreach, which is central to their media and philanthropic brand.
Archewell Foundation and Public Engagements
Since relocating to the U.S., the Sussexes have continued to support various charitable causes. According to the Archewell Foundation’s 2023 Impact Report, the organization has focused on:
- Advancing mental health awareness and access
- Promoting community resilience, particularly in underserved populations
- Partnering with organizations such as World Central Kitchen, Global Citizen, and the NAACP
Additionally, Prince Harry has maintained his involvement in veteran advocacy through initiatives like the Invictus Games, a sporting event he founded in 2014 for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans. The most recent Invictus Games took place in Düsseldorf, Germany, in September 2023, with Prince Harry attending in person.
The Public’s Evolving View of the Sussexes
Public opinion surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has evolved since their royal exit. According to YouGov UK polling data from 2024, the couple has mixed favorability ratings among British adults, with stronger support from younger demographics and international audiences, particularly in the United States.
Media experts note that the couple’s public image often differs based on geography and political orientation, and is shaped significantly by press coverage and social media narratives. Their decision to live privately while maintaining a global presence continues to generate significant public and media interest.
Conclusion: A Royal Life Redefined
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s post-royal journey remains a topic of international attention. While public figures may voice varying opinions, it is essential to differentiate between verified reporting and personal commentary.
Their absence from the 2025 Trooping the Colour event was consistent with previous patterns following their formal step back from royal duties. Instead, the couple spent the weekend observing Father’s Day in the United States and sharing a family-focused message with their audience.
As they continue to build their independent platform, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to causes important to them, including mental health, equity, and service to veterans. While opinions on their path may differ, their efforts to define a new model of public engagement beyond traditional royal roles continue to shape the conversation around modern monarchy and public life.
Verified Sources:
- BBC News – Royal Family
- Royal.uk – The Royal Family Official Website
- Reuters – UK Royal News
- People Magazine – Sussex Coverage
- The Guardian – UK Royal Affairs
- Archewell Foundation
- Town & Country Magazine
