How It Started – How It’s Going: One Year From Freedom:
Where were you when you heard?
It’s been a whole year since Harry and Meghan stepped down from Royal duties and sent shock waves through the British press, Royal households, and global news.
But for those of us who have been watching this couple intently, we were not entirely surprised.
Given the level of abuse that Meghan had faced, how she was silenced, the lack of public support from the other Royals, and constant attempts to destroy The Sussexes marriage, we were not surprised.
Some of us often find ourselves asking: why didn’t they leave sooner?
The shock only came from those expecting Harry and Meghan to put up with the abuse, the way everyone before them had done.
Fans of The Sussexes knew all along that not only would Harry and Meghan survive leaving the Royal Family, but they would also THRIVE outside of the bubble of the Firm and they have.
The comparisons to Edward and Wallace no longer match up. The embarrassing milk ads have not materialised, and Harry seems like the happiest ‘hostage’ on the planet in a Santa Barbara million-dollar mansion.
The one-year review may have been put in place by The firm, but Harry and Meghan have a winning hand of cards come negotiation day.
Most of us in the Squad hope that this will be the quickest zoom call of all time, but we will reframe from speculating. It is ultimately left to be seen what Harry and Meghan do.
In reality, nothing can be gained from having anything to do with the other Royals, even if it’s only ceremoniously.
Many are hoping they cut all ties and officially drop the titles. They would lose nothing by doing either. In fact, it would be a final act of defiance and the last step to full freedom. Freedom to do whatever they want on a global stage where everybody is watching them.
The question should no longer be; what does the future look like for Harry and Meghan? The future is clearly bright. Rather, the question should now be; what is the Royal Family’s future now that their two biggest stars are gone?
In the days leading up to the big announcement, Harry and Meghan stepped out, smiling, knowing they would leave.
I often think how it must have weighed heavy on them, knowing what an uproar it would cause, but also, what a weight off their shoulders it would have been to get it out there finally.
In one year, Harry and Meghan have lived a million lives.
Most people would have never handled the scrutiny the couple has faced. They would have buckled and gone crazy; many famous people do with only half the attention The Sussexes have received.
It is a testimony to their resilience that they have come out the other side winning. With everything thrown at them, they are still standing, taller, and more confident than ever.
If you can survive what they survived, you were destined for both the challenge and the successes. The universe doesn’t hand you what you can’t handle. Onwards and upwards.