Before Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their highly publicized move to the United States five years ago, a particular photo of Prince George reportedly served as a major turning point for the couple.
The image, released around the same time, is said to have been a “wake-up call” that influenced their decision to step away from royal duties.
Recently, Harry lost his legal bid to regain taxpayer-funded security in the UK, reinforcing the couple’s commitment to keeping their children, Archie and Lilibet, out of the public eye.
Harry has expressed deep concerns about their safety, especially after losing his security protections following his departure as a senior working royal in 2020—a decision influenced by his desire not to let “history repeat itself,” alluding to the tragic fate of his mother, Princess Diana.
Speaking about the court case, Harry admitted that his greatest fear is being unable to safely bring his children to the UK. He described the situation as devastating, saying the current security challenges mean he cannot show them his homeland.
In contrast, Prince William’s children—George, Charlotte, and Louis—have grown up in the public eye, frequently appearing in official photographs and social media posts. One such image of Prince George, released in early 2020, was particularly impactful for Meghan and Harry.
The photo, taken in Buckingham Palace’s throne room, featured the late Queen Elizabeth II alongside her direct heirs—then-Prince Charles, Prince William, and young Prince George, who was only seven at the time.
The image, marking the beginning of a new decade, was shared by the royal family’s official Instagram, emphasizing the continuity of the monarchy. But according to royal biographer Andrew Morton, the seemingly innocent portrait symbolized more than just tradition.
In his book Meghan: A Hollywood Princess, Morton suggested the photo intensified Meghan and Harry’s sense of alienation from the royal family. They reportedly interpreted it as a visual reminder that the future of the monarchy was already secure, regardless of their presence or absence.
Morton argued that the couple felt marginalized, believing the institution was subtly making it clear that they were not essential to the monarchy’s future. This sense of exclusion, he claimed, was a significant factor in their decision to leave the UK.
Speaking further on The Mirror’s Pod Save The King podcast, Morton asserted that plans for the couple’s relocation to the US may have begun much earlier than the public realized.
He pointed out that Harry was already in talks with Oprah Winfrey as early as November 2018—just six months after his wedding—indicating that a shift in direction had been on the horizon for some time.
Despite the ongoing media frenzy surrounding their departure and legal battles, Harry has recently expressed a desire to repair his relationship with his family. In an interview with the BBC, he reflected on his court defeat and emphasized the importance of mending ties.
“I want reconciliation with my family. There’s no use in continuing this conflict,” he shared. “Life is short. I don’t know how much time my father has left. He won’t speak to me over the security issues, but I still hope we can reconnect.”
The post Innocent picture of Prince George was ‘wake up call’ for Harry and Meghan, royal expert claims appeared first on Timeless Life.
