Prince Harry and Meghan Markle never agreed with Queen Elizabeth’s decision on their royal roles; here's the truth

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step away from royal duties in 2020 continues to shape their relationship with the British monarchy. Now, a fresh report has reignited the debate over whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex ever accepted the late Queen Elizabeth II’s decision that they could not combine royal responsibilities with independent careers. According to People, a friend of the couple has claimed that the arrangement was “foisted upon them”, suggesting that Harry and Meghan never agreed with the decision to rule out a so-called “half-in, half-out” royal role. The comments come amid renewed attention following the couple’s recent return to the UK for public engagements, bringing their position within the royal family back into focus.

Why Queen Elizabeth Rejected Harry And Meghan’s ‘Half-In, Half-Out’ Plan

In January 2020, Harry and Meghan announced that they wanted to step back as senior members of the royal family, become financially independent and divide their time between the UK and North America. Their proposal raised questions about whether they could continue undertaking royal duties while pursuing private business ventures. The family discussed the issue at a meeting at Sandringham, after which Queen Elizabeth issued a statement acknowledging their wish to build a more independent life.

The late monarch wrote that the family was “entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family”. However, she also said she would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the royal family. The Queen initially allowed a transition period while the details were resolved.

How The Royal Split Became Official

The disagreement over the couple’s future role continued into 2021. In February that year, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Harry and Meghan would not return as working members of the royal family. ITV News reported at the time that the couple had wanted to retain links to charities and organisations associated with their previous royal duties, including patronages and Harry’s honorary military appointments. The palace, however, maintained that royal responsibilities could not be separated from the institution itself. The decision meant the couple would continue their lives outside the working monarchy, while retaining their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles.

Why The Debate Has Returned

The latest comments also reflect an ongoing disagreement over how Harry and Meghan should be described. According to People, a source close to the couple objected to labels such as “former royals”, arguing that Harry remains the King’s son and a member of the royal family, even though he no longer performs official duties on its behalf. The distinction has become relevant again following the Sussexes’ recent UK appearances and renewed discussion about their relationship with the monarchy.

The claims about whether the couple agreed with the Queen’s decision come from people described as close to them, rather than a new public statement from Harry or Meghan themselves. More than six years after their original announcement, the dispute highlights the difference between remaining part of a royal family and serving as a working representative of the Crown. That distinction continues to define the Sussexes’ public position and the questions surrounding their future relationship with the monarchy.