When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry, the world imagined it was a fairytale union — a glamorous Hollywood actress and a beloved royal. But behind the carefully curated smiles and official appearances, their relationship has faced more turbulence than anyone could have predicted. In a rare moment of honesty, Meghan admitted, “It isn’t easy,” leaving many to wonder whether Harry now questions if marrying her was the right choice.
From clashing personalities to family tensions, royal protocol challenges, and public scrutiny, their marriage has been under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Here’s a detailed look at the many moments, revelations, and controversies that have cast a shadow over their royal romance.
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Too Many Differences
Before the wedding bells rang, Meghan confided to her friend Lizzie Cundy that Harry was “a catch!” At the time, it seemed like the perfect love story. But what Meghan perhaps didn’t anticipate was how stark the differences between their worlds would be.
Harry, raised in centuries-old royal tradition, carries the weight of family duty and public expectation. Meghan, a self-made actress from Los Angeles, thrives in independence, self-expression, and a more relaxed lifestyle. While they often appear happy in photographs, insiders claim that behind closed doors, differences in values, lifestyle, and even communication styles have caused growing tension.
Small disagreements have reportedly turned into bigger debates, with Harry’s patience tested by the pressures of balancing his family’s expectations and Meghan’s need for autonomy. Over time, those differences have become harder to ignore.
Disrespecting Royal Protocol
One of the earliest public signs of trouble came during the prestigious Trooping the Colour ceremony. The event, steeped in centuries of royal tradition, demands strict protocol — every royal stands still, faces forward, and sings the national anthem without distraction.
Meghan, still relatively new to this environment, turned to speak to Harry mid-ceremony. Caught on camera, Harry appeared to sternly instruct her to turn around. An insider claimed she looked visibly shaken, almost as if she might cry. The moment went viral, sparking debates about whether Meghan was struggling to adapt to the rigid formalities or simply resisting them.
What Will They Do With Archie?
The arrival of their son Archie was supposed to bring joy and unity. Instead, it raised fresh questions about how he would be raised. Royal watchers were puzzled when Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip skipped Archie’s christening. While the Queen had also missed Prince Louis’ christening the previous year due to scheduling conflicts, the absence fueled speculation about deeper family tensions.
Meghan and Harry have expressed a desire to raise Archie with a “balanced” upbringing, combining royal heritage with a normal childhood. But balancing these ideals is challenging. Royal traditions demand formal education and public duties, while Meghan envisions a freer, more modern environment. The question of how Archie will be brought up — and what values he’ll inherit — remains a point of contention.
So Many Sacrifices
For Meghan, marrying into the royal family meant abandoning freedoms she once took for granted. Social media selfies, casual outings, and even brightly colored manicures are off-limits under royal protocol. Her wardrobe choices are scrutinized for every public appearance, and even the way she sits — legs together, angled to the side — is dictated by tradition.
For someone who built a career on personal branding and self-expression, these restrictions have been a jarring adjustment. Friends have said that Meghan misses the small joys of her old life, from spontaneous travels to posting candid moments online. While she knew sacrifices would come with the role, the reality of how many she’d have to make has reportedly left her feeling confined.
Dealing With His Exes
Even in the most secure marriages, ex-partners can stir complications. Meghan has had to watch as Harry’s past relationships occasionally re-enter the public conversation. During the same Trooping the Colour period, Harry’s former girlfriend Chelsy Davy was spotted in London, reportedly checking in on him during a challenging time.
Harry and Chelsy had remained friends after their breakup, and royal correspondent Phil Dampier once suggested that Harry had been eager to marry her before she got “cold feet.” While Meghan has never publicly commented on these friendships, sources suggest that the presence of Harry’s exes hasn’t always been easy to navigate.
He Had One Last Phone Call With Her
Adding fuel to the speculation, it was revealed that Harry had one final, emotional phone call with Chelsy before marrying Meghan. According to royal author Katie Nicholl, both acknowledged it was a “parting call,” with Chelsy reportedly in tears and hesitant about attending the wedding. She eventually went — promising not to disrupt the day — but the lingering connection between Harry and his past has been a sensitive subject.
Marrying The Royal Family
The saying “you don’t just marry a person, you marry their family” rings especially true in the royal world. Meghan’s relationship with the royal family has been marked by tension, from reported disagreements with Kate Middleton — including an incident where Kate allegedly cried over bridesmaid dresses — to Prince William cautioning Harry about rushing into the relationship.
Winning over the monarchy is no small task. Every interaction is judged, every gesture analyzed, and the media magnifies even minor misunderstandings. Meghan’s ability to fit in with her in-laws has been questioned since day one.
Shattered Dreams
Marriage to a royal often requires putting personal dreams aside. Kate Middleton gave up her professional life to assume her role, and Meghan followed suit, leaving behind a successful acting career on Suits. While Meghan has taken on charitable causes and public speaking roles, the scope of what she can do is tightly controlled by royal guidelines.
Her options for pursuing creative or business ventures are now limited, and this has reportedly been a source of personal frustration.
She’s Changed Him
Some insiders believe Meghan has influenced Harry in ways that have altered his personality. Duncan Larcombe, a long-time royal reporter, claimed that Harry has become “grumpier” and more aloof since marrying Meghan. While partners naturally shape each other, this perceived shift has fueled speculation that Harry has distanced himself from old friends and habits under Meghan’s influence.
Actresses Don’t Marry Royals
The late Prince Philip reportedly told Harry, “One steps out with actresses, one doesn’t marry them.” It was a nod to the traditionalist view that royal life and show business rarely mix well. Sophie Rhys-Jones also left her acting career when she married into royalty.
For Meghan, this meant closing the chapter on a thriving career, a sacrifice that might weigh heavily given the challenges she’s faced since.
Personality Clash?
While Harry is often seen as a “rebel” within the royal family, he is still grounded in its rules and traditions. Meghan, by contrast, is outgoing, expressive, and accustomed to a more informal way of life. These personality differences can complement each other — but in a high-pressure environment like the monarchy, they can also spark tension.
History Repeating Itself?
Royal history offers cautionary tales. Princess Diana, Harry’s mother, endured immense public pressure and personal struggles during her marriage to Prince Charles. Grace Kelly, another actress who married into royalty, also faced isolation and scrutiny. Meghan, some argue, is walking a similar path — one filled with glamour but shadowed by personal sacrifice.
