Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step away from their senior royal roles reportedly hinged on the use of just one word in their public announcement, sparking lasting unease within the royal family. More than five years on, the Sussexes have clearly charted a path far removed from their former lives, focusing instead on business ventures and sharing more of their personal moments with the public.
When they first revealed their plans, Harry and Meghan expressed a wish not to abandon royal life entirely but to “carve out a progressive new role within this institution.” However, a seemingly minor word in their statement—“collaborate”—raised significant alarm behind palace walls.
In their official stepping-back message, the Sussexes said: “We will continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties.”
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A source speaking to the Daily Mail explained the concern, stating, “No-one ‘collaborates’ with the Queen. This is not one of those ‘Kate Moss Top Shop tie-ups.'” The term implied a partnership that simply did not align with royal tradition or hierarchy.
The same insider elaborated, “This is exactly why Queen Elizabeth knew this half-in, half-out version of royalty they were lobbying for would never work. Harry and Meghan operated on their own terms from the start, pushing boundaries for personal and financial gain. Her Late Majesty was no fool and foresaw that it would end in disaster.”
Meanwhile, the Sussexes continue to share candid moments from their lives, such as a recent clip of Meghan dancing with Harry in anticipation of their daughter Princess Lilibet’s arrival. Posted on Lilibet’s fourth birthday, Meghan’s video shows her light-heartedly dancing to the track “Baby Momma,” bringing a fresh and relatable image to their royal narrative.
Royal commentator Jennie Bond remarked on the video’s surprising nature, emphasizing the traditional expectations of privacy in such intimate moments. Bond said, “The hours before giving birth are profoundly personal. Sharing these moments publicly removes the magic of the experience.” She added that if King Charles has seen the footage, it likely would have caused discomfort given the need for royal dignity.
However, Bond also acknowledged the video’s potential to connect with younger audiences, noting that it humanizes Harry and Meghan in a way that resonates. “My daughter found the video charming and relatable, reminding her of her own pregnancy experiences,” Bond said.
As Harry and Meghan continue on their unique journey, the echoes of that one word—“collaborate”—remain a symbol of the underlying complexities and challenges that shaped their break from royal tradition.