Joining the British Royal Family might look like a dream from the outside, but behind palace doors, it’s a very different story—especially if you’re someone like Meghan Markle, who’s never been one to follow a rigid script.
From the moment she entered the royal spotlight, it became clear she wasn’t going to play second fiddle or quietly blend into the background.
Royals Who’ve Faced the Pressure Before
It’s nothing new for those marrying into the monarchy to face challenges.
Prince Philip had his battles adjusting, and Princess Diana’s emotional struggles were widely documented.
According to royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, even Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth II’s sister, spent her life feeling like she was stuck in the Queen’s shadow.
The Palace Panic Over Meghan’s Independence
But Meghan Markle, according to author Tom Quinn, took things a step further.
In his book Yes Ma’am, Quinn writes that her ambition to stand out sparked real concern at Buckingham Palace.
The idea that she might try to outshine senior royals—even the Queen—was deeply unsettling to the royal establishment.
Quinn claims that Meghan was determined to build her own path as a working royal, which didn’t align with the Firm’s way of doing things.
“She just wanted to do her own thing,” he writes.
“And that’s fine—unless you’re part of a tightly run institution like the Royal Family.”
“You Don’t Do What You Want, You Do What You’re Told”
A former courtier put it bluntly: “Elizabeth always had to be the focus. I don’t think Meghan understood that.
When you marry into the Royal Family, you’re not your own boss anymore—you become a servant of the family.”
That kind of hierarchy didn’t sit well with someone like Meghan, who had built a successful acting career and was used to calling her own shots.
The 2019 Southern Africa Tour: A Turning Point
During the Sussexes’ tour of Southern Africa in 2019, cracks in the royal facade became impossible to ignore.
Meghan gave a candid interview to ITV’s Tom Bradby where she admitted to struggling under the pressure.
When Bradby asked if she was okay, her quiet “Thank you for asking” became one of the most talked-about royal soundbites in years.
Her honesty struck a chord with many, but it also raised eyebrows within palace walls.
Royals are typically expected to keep personal struggles private, especially during public engagements.
The Push Toward Freedom and “Megxit”
According to royal commentator Valentine Low, Meghan and Harry’s desire to break free from royal constraints was also financially motivated.
In Courtiers, Low reveals that several ideas were floated to keep them involved in royal duties—such as working part-time or taking on occasional engagements—but none of them allowed for personal profit.
The rule was simple: if they remained part of the Royal Family, they couldn’t use their titles to make money.
Ultimately, that restriction proved too limiting.
As Low puts it, “Some suspected that in the end she wanted to make money… and the only way was to leave royal life and go back to America.”
Meghan’s Life After Royal Duties
Since leaving the Royal Family, Meghan has been busy building a lifestyle empire on her own terms.
In March 2024, she launched American Riviera Orchard, later renamed As Ever.
The brand taps into her passion for food, home living, and everyday joy—offering items like teas, edible flowers, and £20 honey jars.
Earlier this month, Meghan released a new line of California rosé wine.
The response? All the stock sold out within an hour, with prices ranging from £66 for three bottles to £223 for a dozen.
Business Ventures and Strategic Investments
Beyond her own brand, Meghan has made some sharp business moves.
She’s backed companies like Clevr Blends, a vegan coffee startup, and Highbrow Hippie, a luxury haircare brand.
She’s also invested in Ethic, a firm focused on sustainable investing.
Her media ventures haven’t slowed down either
. In 2020, Meghan and Harry signed a high-profile deal with Spotify reportedly worth £18 million.
Although only one show—Archetypes—was released, it featured big-name interviews with Serena Williams and Paris Hilton.
The partnership ended in 2023, reportedly due to a lack of content.
A New Voice Through Podcasting and Publishing
In 2024, Meghan returned to the podcast scene with Confessions of a Female Founder, where she talks with successful female entrepreneurs.
She’s also dabbled in publishing—her 2021 children’s book The Bench explores the bond between father and son through a mother’s eyes.
Netflix and Solo Screen Time
Meghan and Harry also landed a major deal with Netflix, reportedly worth around £80 million.
Their first documentary, Harry & Meghan, broke Netflix records but received mixed reviews.
They followed up with Heart of Invictus and a polo documentary, though Meghan stepped back from the executive producer role in the later project.
Her biggest solo TV effort so far? A lifestyle show titled With Love, Meghan, where she teams up with celebrity guests to cook and design homeware.
Harry only appears briefly in the final episode, and insiders say neither he nor their children will appear in the next season.
What’s Next for Meghan?
Meghan Markle may have stepped away from royal life, but she’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Whether it’s launching a new product, hosting a podcast, or building her personal brand, Meghan is clearly carving out her own definition of success—one that doesn’t require a crown.