The 2018 Australian tour of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle played a pivotal role in their dramatic decision to resign from royal duties.
The Express reported that the tour, marking one of their first major royal engagements as a married couple, left them feeling undervalued despite its public acclaim.
In October 2018, just five months after their wedding, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle embarked on a highly publicized tour to Australia. This trip coincided with the announcement of Meghan's pregnancy, adding to the tour's media attention.
The couple's visit was initially hailed as a significant success, showcasing Meghan's charm and adaptability to royal expectations. The public and media alike praised their engagement and approachability during the various events.
Despite their warm reception in Australia, upon their return to the UK, Harry and Meghan felt that their efforts were not sufficiently acknowledged.
They perceived a lack of adequate praise and recognition from the Royal Family and its establishment, which contrasted sharply with the public and media acclaim they received abroad.
Russell Myers, a royal correspondent for the Daily Mirror, commented on the impact of this tour, suggesting it significantly influenced their decision to step back from royal life. He famously noted that "Australia broke Harry and Meghan and was one of the catalysts for them leaving the Royal Family."
Meghan and Harry themselves have expressed that "things really changed" following their return from Australia. This sentiment highlighted a shift in their royal life perception and roles.
The couple's feelings of being underappreciated became increasingly pronounced over time, influencing their future decisions. Within just a year and a half following the tour, they made the unprecedented decision to step back from their royal duties.
They subsequently moved to the United States with their young son, Archie, who was less than a year old at the time of the move. This decision marked a significant turn in their lives, distancing themselves from the traditional roles expected of them.
In a revealing interview with Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry highlighted the complex dynamics within the Royal Family. He stated, "My grandmother has been amazing throughout. You know, my father, my brother, Kate and all the rest of the family, they were really welcoming. But it really changed after the Australia tour, after our South Pacific tour."
Harry's comments to Oprah shed light on the nuanced relationships and the pressures they faced, not just from within the Royal Family but also from the global media.
Their decision to step back was not made lightly and involved considerable reflection and discussion.
Their move has been a subject of intense media scrutiny, discussion, and analysis, reflecting the continuing public fascination with the couple and their decisions.
The story of Harry and Meghan's departure from royal duties remains a significant narrative in the saga of the modern British monarchy, illustrating the challenges of balancing public expectations with personal happiness and autonomy.
