The day Meghan Markle married Prince Harry on May 19, 2018, was not only a historic occasion for the British royal family 

but also marked the beginning of a series of significant challenges that the monarchy would face in the years to follow. 

While the union of a royal prince and an American actress of mixed race was initially celebrated as a symbol of modernity and inclusivity,

it also triggered a cascade of events that would eventually plunge the royal family into a period of intense public scrutiny, internal strife, and emotional hardship. 

These difficulties became so severe that one family member, 

Meghan herself, openly admitted to struggling with depression and having thoughts of suicide during her time as a working royal.

The Highs and Lows of Meghan and Harry’s Wedding

At first glance, Meghan and Harry’s wedding seemed to embody the very best of what the monarchy could represent in the 21st century. The couple’s love story was celebrated around the world as a sign that the British royal family was evolving, embracing diversity, and stepping into a more inclusive future. The wedding itself was a grand affair, watched by millions, and the image of Meghan walking down the aisle to join one of the most well-known royal families in the world was a powerful symbol of change.

However, beneath the surface, tensions were already brewing. The public’s fascination with Meghan was often tinged with scrutiny, especially from the British media. In the lead-up to the wedding and in the years that followed, the couple was subjected to a relentless barrage of negative press coverage, much of which was tinged with racial undertones. Meghan, as the first woman of mixed race to marry into the British royal family, became the target of unprecedented media attention and criticism. This media pressure, coupled with the expectations placed on her as a royal, created a toxic environment that would have long-lasting repercussions not only for her but for the entire royal family.

The Media’s Role in Amplifying Tragedy

The British media’s treatment of Meghan Markle played a crucial role in the unfolding tragedies that would eventually engulf the royal family. From the moment their relationship became public, the media frenzy surrounding Meghan and Harry was intense. While some outlets celebrated the couple, others sought to scrutinize Meghan’s every move, often in harsh and racially charged terms. Meghan’s background, career as an actress, and even her family relationships became the subject of daily headlines, with some tabloids painting her as an outsider who did not fit into the traditional mold of the British royal family.

The constant negative media coverage contributed to a growing sense of isolation for Meghan. In her now-famous interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, Meghan revealed just how devastating the media’s portrayal of her had been. She described feeling like she was being vilified on a daily basis, with little to no support from the royal institution. The pressure became so overwhelming that she began to feel trapped within the confines of royal life. This isolation was compounded by what she described as a lack of protection and understanding from members of the royal family and the royal household.

Internal Struggles Within the Royal Family

As Meghan and Harry navigated their new roles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, it became increasingly clear that their experiences were not in harmony with the expectations of royal life. Meghan, in particular, struggled with the rigid protocols and public-facing duties that came with being a working royal. Her difficulties were exacerbated by a sense of isolation, as she felt that the royal family and its staff did not fully understand or support her during these challenging times.

This internal struggle reached a breaking point when Meghan, overwhelmed by the pressure of her new role, the relentless media scrutiny, and her sense of isolation, began to experience severe mental health challenges. During the Oprah interview, Meghan revealed that she had struggled with depression and had even contemplated suicide during her time as a senior royal. She described the emotional toll that her royal duties and the public’s relentless criticism had taken on her, explaining that she felt trapped in a situation where there was no way out.

Meghan’s admission that she had reached such a low point was a shocking revelation to many. It underscored the deep emotional strain that comes with being a member of the royal family, especially when one feels unsupported. Her experience shed light on the human cost of the royal family’s highly public and scrutinized existence, which, for Meghan, became unbearable to the point of considering ending her life.

The Impact on Harry and the Wider Royal Family

Prince Harry was not unaffected by the struggles his wife faced. From the beginning, Harry had been fiercely protective of Meghan, publicly criticizing the media’s treatment of her and taking legal action to defend her privacy. However, even Harry, with his experience navigating the intense spotlight of royal life, could not shield Meghan from the internal and external pressures that began to mount.

As Meghan’s mental health deteriorated, Harry also faced immense emotional stress. He had already experienced profound personal tragedy with the death of his mother, Princess Diana, and seeing his wife go through similar struggles with the media and royal life must have been deeply painful. This period marked a significant turning point for Harry, as he began to realize that the mental and emotional well-being of his family was at stake. The couple’s decision to step back from their roles as senior royals in 2020 was, in large part, a response to the need to protect their mental health and well-being, as well as to shield their young son, Archie, from the media circus that had surrounded them.

Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal duties, often referred to as “Megxit,” caused further rifts within the family. Their decision to leave behind the responsibilities and privileges of royal life was seen as a rejection of the very institution that had defined Harry’s life. For the royal family, the loss of two senior members, especially a prince who had long been a beloved figure in British society, was a significant blow. It also raised questions about how the monarchy, an institution steeped in tradition, would adapt to the modern challenges of diversity, mental health, and media scrutiny.

Long-Term Effects and Reflections

In the years since their departure from royal duties, Meghan and Harry have continued to speak openly about the difficulties they faced during their time as working royals. Their experiences have not only highlighted the personal tragedies that unfolded within the royal family but also sparked a broader conversation about mental health, media ethics, and the pressures of royal life. Meghan’s admission that she struggled with thoughts of suicide has particularly resonated with many, underscoring the importance of mental health support in the face of overwhelming public scrutiny.

For the royal family, the challenges brought on by Meghan and Harry’s departure continue to have far-reaching consequences. The relationship between Harry and his family, particularly his father, King Charles III, and his brother, Prince William, remains strained. The tragedies that unfolded in the wake of Meghan’s marriage to Harry have left deep scars, not only on Meghan herself but also on the royal family as a whole. The events that followed their wedding day have irrevocably changed the dynamic within the monarchy, revealing the complexities and emotional toll of life inside the royal institution.

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