The Princess Royal reportedly predicted Harry and Meghan’s 2020 exit before it unfolded
When Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal life in 2020, many were shocked. But according to reports, one member of the family may have seen it coming.
The Express claims that Princess Anne believed Meghan’s time as a working royal would be short-lived, even before the couple announced their decision. Known for her discipline and commitment, Anne carries out hundreds of engagements each year and treats her role as a professional duty rather than a public platform.
Royal commentator Neil Sean says Anne offered Meghan advice early on, suggesting she approach the role as a “job” rather than a path to celebrity. The Princess Royal stressed the importance of research, punctuality, and dedication to causes, telling her niece-in-law that being royal is “all about the project at hand.”
Despite the guidance, Meghan reportedly never connected with Anne and struggled to adjust to the expectations of royal duty. Neil noted that Anne’s no-nonsense style, reminiscent of her father Prince Philip, meant she could see early on that Meghan might not stay long within the institution.
Her prediction proved right when Harry and Meghan formally stepped away just two years after their wedding, with Meghan’s limited involvement as patron of the National Theatre often cited as an example of her difficulty in fully embracing the working royal role.
