Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal departure in 2020 wasn’t just a family fallout, it was a calculated move. As per royal expert Valentine Low in his book Courtiers, the couple’s decision wasn’t about privacy, but the freedom to pursue personal goals, especially Meghan’s ambition to build a brand and generate wealth. The Sussexes initially proposed a hybrid royal model, but Queen Elizabeth rejected it, insisting they could either be full-time royals or step aside entirely. Soon after, they relocated to California, signed a reported $100 million Netflix deal, and launched several media ventures. While they’ve avoided direct political involvement, their proximity to Biden’s circle has kept political speculation alive.