Meghan and Harry officially left their lives as senior royals behind six months ago after first announcing their dramatic decision back in January. In between their bombshell Instagram post declaring their plan and their final set of royal engagements, the couple had to negotiate the terms of their departure with the other senior royals. While Meghan jetted back to Canada to be with the couple’s young son Archie, Harry attended the Sandringham Summit with Prince William, Prince Charles and the Queen.
But, according to co-author of ‘Finding Freedom’, Omid Scobie, the other royals did not attempt to persuade Harry to stay on the royal frontline.
In an interview with The Royal Beat TV, the biographer said: “I don’t think there was really much attempt to make them stay.”
The couple’s announcement allegedly infuriated many behind Palace walls, as few had known about their plans before they were made public.
Mr Scobie said William, in particular, struggled with their stunning news.
Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles , Meghan Markle and Prince Harry (Image: Getty)
Meghan and Harry reportedly have an ongoing rift with William and Kate (Image: Getty)
Speaking in August, he said: “That it put family business out into the public domain when it should’ve been discussed privately and there was a lot of hurt there that continues to this day.”
The commentator explained: “[William’s] not just the brother, he’s also the future king and he felt that damaged the reputation of the family.”
Mr Scobie also suggested the relationship with Kate and Meghan “never really progressed that far”, which would explain why the Duchess of Cambridge did not attempt to persuade the Sussexes to stay as royals.
He said: “If I’m being honest — and that’s highlighted throughout the book — the relationship between Meghan and Kate really never progressed that far.
“Meghan felt there wasn’t much effort made on Kate’s side to look after her during some of the darker moments, particularly during her pregnancy.”
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Harry and Meghan were allegedly not persuaded to stay by the Cambridges (Image: Getty)
Additionally, ‘Finding Freedom’ claims that after their last royal engagement with the other senior members of the Firm, the Commonwealth Day service, Meghan’s mind was made up.
A friend told Mr Scobie and his co-author Carolyn Durand: “Meg just wanted to get home.
“At that point, she couldn’t imagine wanting to set a foot back into anything royal again.”
The televised service was seen as evidence relations between the Sussexes and the Cambridges had deteriorated to the point where they were barely speaking, with the couples rarely exchanging a glance with one another.
However, Mr Scobie’s comments overlook the Queen’s decision to give the couple a trial period after the Sandringham Summit.
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The Commonwealth Day service in March was reportedly very frosty between the couple (Image: Getty)
The Queen gave the couple a trial period of one year (Image: Getty)
This means the Sussexes would technically be allowed to return to the royal fold next March, after a year of going solo.
They also maintained their HRH status, although are no longer allowed to use them now they are not working royals — this indicated that the sudden decisions made in March could be reversed if the Sussexes wished.
Insiders also said at the time of the poignant Sandringham Summit that the pair had already decided what they wanted for their future.
However, Harry’s friend told Vanity Fair in January: “They want to press ahead with becoming independent, living abroad and building their own brand.”
A different source told the outlet that the Queen and her immediate family were reportedly hopeful the couple “might reconsider their dramatic decision to step down”.
Other sources say the Sussexes were set on leaving the Firm (Image: Getty)
They explained: “I get the impression the Queen and the senior royals went into the talks hoping to convince Harry that he and Meghan are a very vital and much needed and loved part of the family.
“No one wants to see the family break up like this but Meghan and Harry seem quite determined to press ahead.”
Mr Scobie’s comments also clash with the Queen’s statement back in January.
She addressed Harry as her grandson, making it unusually intimate for a public statement, and admitted “we would have preferred them to remain full time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life”.
‘Finding Freedom’ by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand was published in 2020 by Harper Collins and is available here.
