Few royal stories have generated as much global attention as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's departure from royal life. What began with the couple's dramatic 2020 "Megxit" announcement soon evolved into headline-making interviews, Netflix projects, legal battles, and years of tension with the Royal Family. Along the way came Oprah Winfrey, the Prince's autobiography Spare, and several high-profile returns to Britain.

Now, six years later, reports suggest Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could be spending more time in the U.K. with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, marking a surprising full-circle moment in one of the monarchy's most closely watched modern stories.

Their royal journey has been filled with twists, turns, and historic moments; enough to construct a full-blown list out of. 

On January 8, 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shocked the world by announcing their decision to step back as senior members of the Royal Family. The couple expressed a desire for financial independence while splitting their time between the U.K. and North America. Their proposal sparked immediate debate and led to the now-famous Sandringham Summit, held on January 13 that year, where Queen Elizabeth II and senior royals discussed the future of the Sussexes. Their proposed hybrid royal role was ultimately rejected.

The Sussexes officially ceased their duties as working royals on March 31, 2020. Shortly afterwards, the pair relocated to North America, eventually settling in Montecito, California. The move marked the beginning of a new chapter centered around media projects, business ventures, and financial independence. Later in September of the same year, they launched Archewell, their nonprofit and production company.

One year after leaving royal life, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sat down with Oprah Winfrey for an interview that became one of the most talked-about television events in recent memory. Meghan Markle discussed her struggles within the institution and mental health challenges, while the couple also made allegations that intensified scrutiny of the Royal Family. The interview deepened tensions and became a defining moment of the post-Megxit era.

The couple welcomed their second child, Princess Lilibet Diana, in California on June 4, 2021. Named after Queen Elizabeth II's childhood nickname and inspired by Prince Harry's late mother, Princess Diana, Lilibet's birth briefly shifted public attention away from the ongoing royal controversy and toward family celebrations. The announcement was met with global interest, marking another major milestone in Prince Harry and Markle's new life in the United States following their departure from royal duties.

In January 2022, Prince Harry's legal fight over security arrangements in the UK became a major headline after he officially filed his case for a judicial review. He challenged changes to his protection status after stepping down as a working royal. While the Prince and Markle were in Europe for a series of charity engagements in September 2022, Queen Elizabeth II's health suddenly declined.

Following her passing at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, the couple remained in the U.K. to participate in the period of national mourning and attend the late monarch's state funeral alongside senior members of the Royal Family. The couple participated in several public events alongside senior royals, including Prince William and Princess Kate. The same year also saw the release of Harry & Meghan on Netflix, offering the couple's perspective on their royal exit and life afterwards. 

The documentary became one of Netflix's most talked-about releases, though later reports would raise questions about the couple's ability to maintain the same level of Hollywood momentum through subsequent projects.

Prince Harry's memoir Spare arrived in January 2023 and immediately became a global talking point. The book detailed personal struggles, family disagreements, and previously unknown moments from royal life. Its revelations reignited public debate surrounding the Sussexes' departure and further highlighted the strained relationship between the Duke of Sussex and several members of the Royal Family.

Prince Harry made a brief return to the UK for King Charles III's coronation in 2023, attending the historic event alone while Meghan Markle remained in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The following year, after King Charles announced his cancer diagnosis, Prince Harry traveled back to Britain for a short meeting with his father. Although neither visit publicly resolved ongoing family tensions, they sparked speculation that channels of communication had reopened and that a gradual reconciliation might be possible.

Prince Harry's battle over security arrangements continued into 2025. After losing a major appeal, he openly discussed the challenges of bringing his family to Britain and expressed a desire to repair relationships within the Royal Family. Later that year, he made additional visits to the UK, including a meeting with King Charles that was viewed by many as a sign of improving relations. The Sussexes also renewed their partnership with Netflix, signaling their continued commitment to life outside the traditional royal framework.

One of the most notable developments came in July 2026 when King Charles reportedly met Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet for the first time in several years. Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children spent time with the King and Queen Camilla during a private family gathering. The reunion was widely interpreted as an important step toward healing old wounds.

Reports emerged that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were planning an extended stay in Britain with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who are expected to begin school in the UK. While the move does not signal a return to royal duties, it represents a remarkable shift from the complete departure that defined Megxit six years ago. The couple will reportedly maintain their California home while spending significant time in Britain.

After years of headlines, interviews, memoirs, and family disputes, the Sussexes' story appears to have come full circle. Whether this latest chapter leads to lasting reconciliation remains uncertain, but it undeniably marks one of the most significant developments in the royal saga since Megxit began.

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Which moment do you think had the biggest impact on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal journey: the Megxit announcement, the Oprah interview, or Prince Harry's Spare memoir? Let us know in the comments.