Duke of Sussex quietly distances from royal past amid growing life in California
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle celebrated their 7th wedding anniversary on May 19 with a quiet, symbolic moment that many royal observers say marks the Duke's emotional departure from his life in the UK.
Amid an ongoing rift with the royal family and fresh disappointment over his UK security case, Harry appeared to signal a final shift in focus—away from his past royal role and toward his future with Meghan and their children in California.
The milestone came shortly after Meghan shared a poignant photo on Instagram of Harry walking hand-in-hand with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The trio faced away from the camera, gazing toward a peaceful landscape—an image widely interpreted as a metaphor for Harry turning his back on his old life.
Royal expert Jennie Bond commented on the gesture, telling the Mirror, “The photo suggests Harry is walking away from his former life once and for all.” She added that despite ongoing challenges, the Sussexes have emerged as a stronger couple.
Bond believes that any hopes for a royal reconciliation have diminished, especially after Harry’s televised plea to his father, King Charles, and brother, Prince William, reportedly went unanswered.
“I very much doubt that there will be anniversary wishes winging their way from the UK to California,” she noted.
Still, Harry and Meghan appear to be finding strength in their shared life. As Bond put it, “The crises come and go—but they have their love, their children, their fabulous home, the freedom they craved, and Meghan’s burgeoning portfolio of new projects to keep them busy.”
