It has been over a year since Prince Harry and Meghan Mark stepped down from their senior royal roles. Since then, they have spent time in Canada before moving to California. There have been many news and updates about the couple as they started their new non-royal lives. Let’s look at some key developments in their journey over the past year.
Final Royal engagements
In early 2020, Harry and Meghan conducted their final engagements as senior working royals. Their last public appearance was attending the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey alongside other royal family members. It was reportedly an awkward time filled with tension between them and other royals like Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Stepping down officially
On March 31st, 2020, Harry and Meghan officially stepped down from their positions as senior working royals. Their royal duties and titles of Their Royal Highness were removed. They relocated from the UK to Vancouver Island in Canada with their son Archie. During this transition period, they held on to their home, Frogmore Cottage, in the UK.
Moving to Los Angeles
In March 2020, they relocated from Canada to Los Angeles due to the pandemic and uncertainty around international travel. They took up residence in Tyler Perry’s mansion in the elite Beverly Ridge Estates neighborhood. Since then, LA has become their permanent base away from the royal family in the UK.
Launching Archewell Organization
In April 2020, Harry and Meghan launched their new nonprofit organization, Archewell. It aims to promote compassion and conduct charitable work. Some initiatives include collaborating with organizations to build resilient communities. However, the full launch of Archewell has been delayed due to the pandemic.
Spotify and Netflix Deals
In late 2020, Harry and Meghan signed major deals with Spotify and Netflix, estimated to be worth around $100 million. They launched “Archewell Audio” for Spotify to produce podcasts that uplift and entertain audiences. With Netflix, they will make movies, shows and children’s programming. It helps generate income as they pursue financial independence.
Tell-All Oprah Interview
In March 2021, Meghan and Harry shocked the world with their tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey. Some of the biggest bombshells included allegations that a royal family member expressed concerns over Archie’s skin color before his birth and Meghan’s struggles with mental health that drew no support from the palace. They also spoke about their new life in the US and their hopes for the future.
- Meghan revealed she experienced suicidal thoughts due to intense media scrutiny but was denied help by “The Firm.”
- Harry said he felt let down by his father, Charles, and trapped in the royal system.
- They are expecting a baby girl in the summer of 2021, a younger sibling for Archie.
The interview drew global attention and a crisis for the monarchy. While it sparked sympathy for the couple, it further strained relations with the royal family.
Legal Battles
Meghan took legal action against some British tabloids for invasion of privacy and copyright infringement regarding publishing private letters. She won a high court case against Associated Newspapers in December 2020 over five articles published in The Mail on Sunday and MailOnline.
In June 2021, Harry sued Associated Newspapers for libel over two articles in The Mail on Sunday and MailOnline related to his security arrangements in the UK. Meghan and Harry have been quite vocal about distrusting some tabloid media coverage.
Philanthropic Work
Harry and Meghan have gotten actively involved in various philanthropic activities in the US to pursue their vision of socio-economic compassion. They volunteered to distribute meals for vulnerable people through LA charity organizations amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
For Remembrance Day in November 2021, they laid flowers at the Los Angeles National Cemetery to honor fallen soldiers. Meghan also guest-edited the September 2021 issue of British Vogue, focusing on inspiring women leaders to drive positive change.
Building New Life in Montecito
In mid-2020, Harry and Meghan purchased a multi-million dollar mansion in the exclusive seaside community of Montecito, California. Situated about 130 km north of Los Angeles, their new neighborhood is home to many celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres.
They have built their independent career and personal branding in the US from their idyllic new home. In June 2021, they welcomed their daughter, Lili Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. Meghan has also been advocating for federal paid leave for new parents.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Harry and Meghan will continue investing efforts to make Archewell a leading platform for social purpose work. More original content is expected from their Spotify and Netflix deals.
They may increase public appearances for charitable causes important to them, like gender equality, mental health, racial justice, environmental protection and veteran support. All their future projects aim to serve communities worldwide through compassion and empathy.
summary
In summary, it has been an eventful journey of change and reinvention for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle since 2020. As they establish roots in California and raise their young family, they focus on using their platform and privilege for global positive social impact. Only time will tell what more exciting ventures this power couple has in store for the world.