Since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020, their decision has sparked countless headlines, heated debates, and ongoing speculation. While much of the public narrative has focused on media scrutiny and internal family tensions, a royal author is now offering another perspective—one centered around financial independence and long-term personal goals.
In his book Courtiers, veteran royal correspondent Valentine Low shares a less emotional and more strategic take on why the Duke and Duchess of Sussex chose to part ways with their royal roles. According to Low, the couple’s departure may have been motivated by their desire for the freedom to earn their own income—something that royal life simply wouldn’t allow.
From Tradition to Autonomy
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Low explained that Harry and Meghan initially explored the idea of balancing royal duties with personal projects—something akin to a hybrid model where they’d perform select royal tasks but maintain a private, entrepreneurial life for the rest of the year. However, that kind of flexible arrangement was incompatible with the firm structure of the monarchy.
Low asserts that the couple came to realize full independence—especially of the financial kind—could only be achieved outside the boundaries of royal protocol. He wrote, “Some suspected that in the end she wanted to make money. And the only way she was going to do that was by leaving her royal life behind and going back to America.”
The Question of U.S. Influence and Politics
Beyond finances, Low also touched on another possible motivator: politics. While members of the British royal family are expected to remain strictly apolitical, stepping outside the institution could open doors to more public involvement. Meghan, in particular, has shown an interest in social issues, and her connections in the United States—most notably with President Joe Biden’s sister, Valerie Biden Owens—have fueled speculation about her potential political ambitions.
Although neither Harry nor Meghan has officially declared political affiliations, their support for progressive causes and social campaigns has made headlines. Valerie Biden has even publicly stated that Meghan would make a strong political candidate—hinting that opportunities in Washington could be in the realm of possibility.
The Queen’s Final Word
As Low outlines in Courtiers, Queen Elizabeth II ultimately held a firm stance: if the couple were unwilling to follow the expectations placed on working royals, they could not continue representing the Crown. That meant making a clean break was the only viable path forward.
More Than Just a Family Rift?
While media coverage often focuses on interpersonal tensions and tabloid drama, Low’s perspective reframes the narrative through the lens of long-term goals and practical limitations. For Meghan and Harry, their exit may have been less about escape—and more about evolution.
Their move to the U.S. has allowed them to explore media ventures, sign high-profile deals, and shape a public image on their own terms. Whether or not political aspirations are in their future remains to be seen—but what’s clear is that their royal departure was far more layered than many once assumed.
Editorial Note: This article reflects on publicly available statements and third-party commentary. The motivations of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain a personal matter unless directly confirmed by the couple.