In the spring of 2018, the world watched as Meghan Markle, an American, married Prince Harry, a member of the royal family. Marking a historic milestone, Markle became the “American princess” and brought diversity to the British monarchy for being a foreigner and a woman of color. Shortly after their wedding, it was announced that the couple was expecting their first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, seventh in line to succession to the British throne. Although appearing to be living a fairytale to the world, the couple announced that they would be stepping back from royal family duties and would live in the United States, Markle’s country of origin, early last year. Their royal exit was officially marked March 31, 2021 after a candid interview with the pair and Oprah Winfrey earlier that month. The couple explained the truth of their dark experiences with the pressure from the press and the treatment received from the royal institution, as well as the reason that led them to step down from their titles. 

In the interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan Markle exposed the ugly reality she endured while living her supposed-to-be “fairytale” life. Meghan Markle admitted that she wasn’t as knowledgeable about royal life as she probably should have been, but understood that her life was about to change drastically before marrying Prince Harry. Being a woman of color, an American, a divorcee, and a former actress, the British press criticized and clawed at Markle for every move she made. Despite the world living in the 21st century, Markle also exposed a detail that sat poorly with just about every viewer–a detail surrounding race. Markle revealed that when pregnant with her first child, conversations were being held in private by those inside the royal institution surrounding the potential skin color of the baby on the way. After this detail came to light, many viewers and listeners questioned who it could have been making these absurd comments. Both Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made sure not to give any names but did clarify that it was not Harry’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, nor her husband, Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh. Aside from this bombshell, Markle also revealed dark times and thoughts she had while being in the royal spotlight and the facade she was forced to put on. With all this pressure and tension, Markle and Harry decided to break away from their royal duties and live a more tranquil life focusing more so on their growing family and their happiness.  

After so many shocking details being cast upon, the pair announced that they are devoted to living a more private and serene life. The couple also announced that they are expecting a baby girl in summer 2021 and are developing their own brand, Archewell, and living their lives the way they want and desire, in peace.