Trigger Warning – This article mentions suicide and suicidal ideation.
The romance between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle captivated the world. A divorced, non-aristocratic American woman marrying into the British royal family generated plenty of headlines. For a time, the world couldn’t get enough of the charismatic former actress.
However, following the couple’s wedding in May 2018, rumors of tension with the royal family began to surface. There were also whispers that, allegedly, Meghan was difficult behind the scenes and had trouble adjusting to royal life.
Meanwhile, in January 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stunned the world when they announced that they were stepping away as senior members of the British royal family. Their exit, dubbed “Megxit,” reportedly widened the rift between Harry, Meghan, and the rest of Harry’s family.
What are some of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s most controversial moments?
Besides Megxit, Meghan and Prince Harry also caused a royal ruckus with Harry’s memoir, Spare, as well as the duo’s Netflix documentary, Harry & Meghan. In addition, in their interview with Oprah Winfrey, they made some jaw-dropping allegations about the royal family. Plus, Harry’s legal fight to maintain security also played out in the press. Let’s revisit some of Meghan and Harry’s most controversial moments.
5. Megxit – When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties
On January 8, 2020, Harry and Meghan shared their shocking Megxit announcement via their official Instagram. The news came after the couple stepped back from their royal duties for six weeks.
“We have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. 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’s joint statement read.
They added that they would “continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties.” Meanwhile, Meghan and Harry settled down in Montecito, California, in 2020 with their two children, Archie and Lilibet.
4. Prince Harry’s ongoing legal issues surrounding security
After Megxit, Buckingham Palace issued a statement regarding Prince Harry’s security arrangements. Since the couple was no longer working royals, their UK security detail, which was paid for by taxpayers, was removed.
As a result, in September 2021, Harry initiated legal action, asking for a review of this decision by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, also known as RAVEC. Vanity Fair reported that Harry lost his appeal in May 2025. However, in December 2025, the issue was being reviewed.
Meanwhile, on July 10, 2026, Prince Harry, Meghan, and their children were hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House. Security concerns nearly put this get-together in jeopardy. This reunion marked the first time that King Charles had seen his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, in four years.
3. The Netflix documentary, Harry & Meghan
This six-part Netflix documentary series dropped in 2022. It featured Meghan and Harry’s version of events, from their courtship to their decision to exit royal life. Viewers saw intimate moments between the couple as they also dropped fresh allegations about “the Firm,” as the royal family is known.
In the series, Harry said of the relationship between the royals and the press, “It’s a dirty game.” In particular, Harry alleged that negative briefings about himself and Meghan supposedly came from William’s office. Harry’s decision to be openly critical of his brother only widened their estrangement.
Later, Harry discussed his feelings about “the pain and suffering of women marrying into this institution.” Indeed, Meghan discussed having suicidal thoughts from the overwhelming stress. And Harry addressed fears that the same fate that befell his mother, Princess Diana, would “repeat itself” with his wife.
2. Prince Harry released his memoir, Spare
Prince Harry’s 2023 memoir, Spare, generated plenty of controversy. In the book’s pages, Harry detailed an alleged 2019 physical altercation with his brother, Prince William. After William apologized, he reportedly told his brother not to tell Meghan about the incident.
In addition, Harry claimed that William and his wife, Kate Middleton, encouraged him to wear a Nazi uniform to a 2005 costume party. Naturally, photos of Harry appeared in the press and sparked immediate backlash.
And, as the cherry on top, Harry discussed several arguments between Meghan and Kate. One dramatic disagreement, ahead of Meghan tying the knot with Harry, involved Princess Charlotte’s flower girl dress. According to Prince Harry, he found his bride-to-be crying following the incident.
While Harry’s memoir allowed him to share his personal experiences, some people felt that he targeted the royal family.
1. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s tell-all interview with Oprah
Oprah’s infamous interview with the couple in California sparked global headlines. Meghan opened up her mental health struggles, stating, “And I just didn’t … I didn’t want to be alive anymore.”
In addition, she shared that it wasn’t the couple who didn’t want their son to have a title. “They didn’t want him to be a prince … which would be different from protocol, and that he wasn’t going to receive security,” she explained.
However, the most shocking reveal involved a discussion within the royal family. There were “concerns and conversations about how dark [Archie’s] skin might be when he’s born,” Meghan shared. While Prince Harry did not repeat the exact discussion, Oprah later clarified that it was not Queen Elizabeth nor Prince Philip who made the alleged comments.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, you’re encouraged to call or text 988 or visit 988 lifeline.
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