A complete timeline of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's first year since leaving the royal family

Advertisement
Anneta Konstantinides,Mikhaila FrielJan 16, 2021, 22:49 IST
A complete timeline of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's first year since leaving the royal family

Insider took a look at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's first year of freedom.Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

  • It's been a year since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal life.
  • In that time, Harry and Markle moved to California and dealt with ongoing lawsuits with UK tabloids.
  • They signed deals with Netflix and Spotify, and spoke about the US election and Black Lives Matter.

Before the pandemic took over the news in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's exit from the royal family dominated headlines.

Since the announcement of their departure last January, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have had quite the year, dealing with lawsuits, royal rifts, and major deals with Netflix and Spotify. And their son Archie took his first steps.

They've traded Frogmore Cottage for a Santa Barbara mansion, and are using their newfound freedom to speak on everything from the US presidential election to Black Lives Matter.

Here's a timeline of the couple's first year since their royal exit.

Advertisement

Just days into 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced that they were taking a "step back" from the royal family.

Just days into 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced that they were taking a "step back" from the royal family.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced they were stepping back from the royal family on January 8, 2020. Frank Augstein/AP

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the announcement on their official Instagram page on January 8, 2020, saying it had come after "many months of reflection and internal discussions."

"We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen," the caption read. "We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honor our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages."

"This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity."

Shortly after the announcement, the royal family said there were "complicated issues that will take time to work through," in a royal correspondence obtained by Insider. Buckingham Palace later confirmed that Prince Harry and Markle would completely step back from their duties, no longer use their HRH titles, and would stop receiving public funding.

Markle left the UK for Canada with 8-month-old Archie shortly after the announcement.

On January 13, Prince Harry and Prince William released a rare joint statement addressing a news story about their rumored rift.

On January 13, Prince Harry and Prince William released a rare joint statement addressing a news story about their rumored rift.
Prince Harry and Prince William watching England v Wales at the Rugby World Cup in 2015. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

The Duke of Sussex and Duke of Cambridge denied claims that Harry was "bullied" out of the royal family by William.

"Despite clear denials, a false story ran in a UK newspaper today speculating about the relationship between The Duke of Sussex and The Duke of Cambridge," a spokesperson for the brothers told royal correspondent Rebecca English at the time.

"For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful," the statement went on.

An article in The Times had claimed that Harry and Markle "regarded themselves as having been pushed away from the royal family by the 'bullying' attitude of his brother."

Advertisement

That same day, Queen Elizabeth II broke her silence and said she supported Harry and Markle's decision to step back from the royal family.

That same day, Queen Elizabeth II broke her silence and said she supported Harry and Markle's decision to step back from the royal family.
Queen Elizabeth II made a rare personal statement to show support to her grandson and Markle. DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images

"Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family," Queen Elizabeth II said in a rare personal statement, which was obtained by Insider.

"My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan's desire to create a new life as a young family. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family."

"Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives," she added.

On January 19, Prince Harry delivered an emotional speech about his decision to step back from his royal duties.

On January 19, Prince Harry delivered an emotional speech about his decision to step back from his royal duties.
The Duke of Sussex makes a speech as his charity Sentebale held an event on January 19, 2020. Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Sentebale

Harry attended the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London, where he spoke to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and later made his first public remarks about his and Markle's announcement.

"It brings me great sadness that it has come to this," the duke said during his speech, adding that the decision had come after "many months of talks after so many years of challenges."

"I know I haven't always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option," he added.

A day later, Harry flew to Canada to join Markle and their son.

Advertisement

On February 6, Harry and Markle made their first public appearance since their royal exit during an event in Miami.

On February 6, Harry and Markle made their first public appearance since their royal exit during an event in Miami.
During a private JPMorgan event in Miami, Harry told the crowd he stepped down as a senior royal to protect his family. Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Markle was by Prince Harry's side as he spoke about his mental health and the loss of his mother during a private JPMorgan event.

"Harry spoke about how he has been in therapy for the past three years to try to overcome the trauma of losing his mother," a source told Page Six. "He talked about how the events of his childhood affected him and that he has been talking to a mental health professional."

Harry also told the crowd that he didn't regret his decision to step down as a senior royal because he "wants to protect his family," the source added.

"He does not want Meghan and their son Archie to go through what he did as a child," they said.

Later that month, Queen Elizabeth II blocked the Duke and Duchess of Sussex from using the name "Sussex Royal" for their future projects.

Later that month, Queen Elizabeth II blocked the Duke and Duchess of Sussex from using the name "Sussex Royal" for their future projects.
Following the Queen's decision, Harry and Markle confirmed they were changing the name of their brand. Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Harry and Markle had registered their charitable foundation under the name "Sussex Royal The Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex" in July 2019, before they quit their royal roles. It was also the name of their popular Instagram account.

Following the Queen's decision, Harry and Markle confirmed they were changing the name of their brand.

"Given the specific UK government rules surrounding use of the word 'Royal,' it has been therefore agreed that their non-profit organization will not utilize the name 'Sussex Royal' or any other iteration of 'Royal,'" a spokesperson for the couple wrote on their website.

Advertisement

In March, Markle and Prince Harry returned to the UK for their final engagements as senior royals - and looked happier than ever.

In March, Markle and Prince Harry returned to the UK for their final engagements as senior royals - and looked happier than ever.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle both wore blue to The Endeavour Fund Awards. Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

The couple wowed in their coordinated blue outfits as they shared an umbrella at the Endeavour Awards in London on March 5.

Photographer Samir Hussein captured a photo of the couple smiling at each other as the rain fell around them, and it soon went viral.

"I've taken many photos I'm really proud of, but in terms of the huge interest in the subjects and the response I've had, this is probably the most iconic photo I've taken," Hussein said in a statement.

Harry and Markle continued to put on a united front as they wore coordinated outfits to the Mountbatten Festival of Music on March 7.

Harry and Markle continued to put on a united front as they wore coordinated outfits to the Mountbatten Festival of Music on March 7.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Mountbatten Festival of Music on March 7. Karwai Tang/Getty Images

Markle wore a bold red $1,693 Safiyaa floor-length red gown with a cape and matching clutch to the couple's second-to-last official engagement as working members of the royal family. Harry wore a uniform signifying his military ranking as Captain General of the Royal Marines.

The couple held hands as they made their way to the event at London's Royal Albert Hall, and were praised for their powerful ensembles.

Advertisement

At Harry and Markle’s final royal engagement on March 9, the rift between the royal family was apparent as Prince William and Kate Middleton didn’t speak to them or even make eye contact.

At Harry and Markle’s final royal engagement on March 9, the rift between the royal family was apparent as Prince William and Kate Middleton didn’t speak to them or even make eye contact.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince William, and Kate Middleton at the Commonwealth Service in March 2020. Getty/Phil Harris

The former "Fab Four" — as the two couples had once been lovingly dubbed by the British press — didn't interact at all despite being seated near each other during the Commonwealth Day service at London's Westminster Abbey.

It had been standard for the couples to greet each other at services in previous years. Markle and Middleton even hugged before last year's ceremony — a stark contrast to the little eye contact at their final engagement together.

Two days after the couple's exit became official on April 1, Markle's first project post-royal life was revealed.

Two days after the couple's exit became official on April 1, Markle's first project post-royal life was revealed.
Markle's first project after leaving the royal family was a voice-over role in a Disney film. Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images

Disney confirmed that Markle narrated the film "Elephant," which was released on Disney Plus on April 3.

The Times reported back in January that the duchess had secured a voice-over deal and, instead of payment, had accepted a donation to Elephants Without Borders.

Advertisement

Later that month, Harry and Markle announced they were launching the nonprofit Archewell - named after their son Archie.

Later that month, Harry and Markle announced they were launching the nonprofit Archewell - named after their son Archie.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with their son Archie in 2019. Toby Melville - Pool/Getty Images

The Duke and Duchess also revealed they would no longer communicate with the public through their Sussex Royal Instagram account.

"As we all find the part we are to play in this global shift and changing of habits, we are focusing this new chapter to understand how we can best contribute," the post reads. "While you may not see us here, the work continues."

On April 20, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex officially cut off all contact with four British tabloids.

On April 20, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex officially cut off all contact with four British tabloids.
Harry and Markle cut ties with the Sun, the Daily Mail, the Daily Mirror, and the Daily Express. Dominic Lipinski/Getty Images

Harry and Markle announced they would no longer engage with or respond to journalists from the Sun, the Daily Mail, the Daily Mirror, and the Daily Express.

The couple said they no longer wished to "offer themselves up as currency for an economy of clickbait and distortion."

"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have watched people they know — as well as complete strangers — have their lives completely pulled apart for no good reason, other than the fact that salacious gossip boosts advertising revenue," the couple wrote in letters to the publications, which were obtained by Insider.

"With that said, please note that The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not be engaging with your outlet," the letters read. "There will be no corroboration and zero engagement."

Advertisement

On May 6, Harry and Markle shared a rare video of Archie to celebrate his first birthday.

On May 6, Harry and Markle shared a rare video of Archie to celebrate his first birthday.
Markle read "Duck! Rabbit!" for Archie's first birthday. SaveTheChildren/YouTube

The video, which was shared to the Save the Children UK Instagram account, shows Markle reading a book, "Duck! Rabbit," to Archie.

Harry can be heard laughing and contributing to the story with animal sounds from behind the camera, before shouting: "Yay! The end! Woo! Bravo!" after the duchess finished reading.

On June 4, Markle gave an emotional speech about the death of George Floyd.

On June 4, Markle gave an emotional speech about the death of George Floyd.
Markle spoke about George Floyd's murder while addressing graduating students from her former high school. Omid Scobie/Twitter

Markle was filming a video message to the graduating students of Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles, her alma mater, when she addressed Floyd's murder and the protests that had spread across the US in the days that followed.

"For the past couple of weeks I've been planning to say a few words to you for your graduation, and as we've all seen over the last week what is happening in our country and in our state, and in our hometown of LA, has been absolutely devastating," she said.

"And I wasn't sure what I could say to you. I wanted to say the right thing, and I was really nervous that I wouldn't or that it would get picked apart and I realized, the only wrong thing to say is to say nothing. Because George Floyd's life mattered and Breonna Taylor's life mattered and Philando Castile's life mattered and Tamir Rice's life mattered."

"But you know what? We are going to rebuild and rebuild and rebuild until it is rebuilt," she added. "Because when the foundation is broken, so are we. I know you know that Black Lives Matter. So I am already excited for what you are going to do in the world."

Advertisement

On June 20, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex cut ties with the royal family's law firm.

On June 20, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex cut ties with the royal family's law firm.
A source told the Daily Mail that Harry and Markle were "on an independent path." Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

The Daily Mail's Richard Eden reported that Harry and Markle filed official documents confirming the split from law firm Harbottle and Lewis, which Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family have used for years.

According to Eden, the couple replaced Harbottle and Lewis with the firm Fieldfisher to represent their charitable foundation, Archewell.

"They wanted to instruct their own lawyers, not those also used by the Royal Family. They are on an independent path," an anonymous source who claims to be close to the couple told Eden.

On June 25, it was announced that Harry and Markle had signed with a speaking agency that represents the Obamas and Clintons.

On June 25, it was announced that Harry and Markle had signed with a speaking agency that represents the Obamas and Clintons.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in December 2017. Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The couple signed with New York-based agency Harry Walker and planned to undertake moderated discussions and keynote speeches on social issues including racial justice, gender equality, and mental health, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Advertisement

On July 1, Prince Harry used his speech during the Diana Awards to speak out on the importance of Black Lives Matter.

On July 1, Prince Harry used his speech during the Diana Awards to speak out on the importance of Black Lives Matter.
Prince Harry shared a virtual message during the Diana Awards in July. Omid Scobie/Twitter

"Institutional racism has no place in our societies, yet it is still endemic," Harry said during the virtual speech. "Unconscious bias must be acknowledged without blame to create a better world for all of you."

"My wife said recently that our generation and the ones before us haven't done enough to right the wrongs of the past," he added. "I too am sorry — sorry that we haven't got the world to a place you deserve it to be."

Harry concluded his speech by expressing his commitment to "being part of the solution and to being part of the change that you are all leading."

On July 2, new court documents revealed that Markle had felt "unprotected" by the royal family as she faced relentless media scrutiny.

On July 2, new court documents revealed that Markle had felt "unprotected" by the royal family as she faced relentless media scrutiny.
Court papers said that stories by the UK tabloid media had caused the Duchess of Sussex "tremendous emotional distress." Anthony Devlin/Karwai Tang/Getty Images

The documents, which were filed as part of Markle's ongoing legal battle with the Mail on Sunday, said that stories by the UK tabloid media had caused the Duchess of Sussex "tremendous emotional distress and damage to her mental health."

"As her friends had never seen her in this state before, they were rightly concerned for her welfare, specifically as she was pregnant, unprotected by the Institution, and prohibited from defending herself," the court papers added, appearing to criticize Kensington Palace.

Markle is currently suing the newspaper over its publication of excerpts from a private letter sent to her father.

Advertisement

Later that month, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex purchased their first home together in Santa Barbara, California.

Later that month, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex purchased their first home together in Santa Barbara, California.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in October 2018. Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved into their family home in July of this year," a spokesperson for the couple told Insider in August 2020.

"They have settled into the quiet privacy of their community since their arrival and hope that this will be respected for their neighbors, as well as for them as a family."

On August 4, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Queen Elizabeth II wished Markle a happy birthday on social media.

On August 4, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Queen Elizabeth II wished Markle a happy birthday on social media.
Multiple members of the royal family publicly wished Markle a happy birthday. Karwai Tang/Getty Images

"Wishing a very happy birthday to the Duchess of Sussex today," Prince William and Middleton wrote on Twitter alongside a photo of Markle.

The Queen's official Twitter account also paid tribute to Markle, sharing a photo of the duchess and the Queen from their first joint engagement together in 2018.

Prince Charles and Camilla dedicated a birthday post to the duchess as well.

Markle celebrated her 39th birthday in California with Harry and their son.

Advertisement

In August, Markle defied the royal family's strict rule about getting involved with politics and revealed she would vote in the next US election.

In August, Markle defied the royal family's strict rule about getting involved with politics and revealed she would vote in the next US election.
Markle said she knew what it was like to feel "voiceless." Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

Markle spoke about her decision in Marie Claire's August 2020 digital issue, revealing that she knew what it was like to feel "voiceless."

Although Markle didn't discuss her political views when she married into the royal family, she was open about her disdain for US President Donald Trump back in 2016.

Later that month, Markle said she looked forward to "being a part of" change in the US.

"To come back and to just see this state of affairs, I think at the onset, if I'm being honest, it was just devastating," Markle told Emily Ramshaw of The 19th*. "From my standpoint, it's not new to see this undercurrent of racism and certainly unconscious bias, but I think to see the changes that are being made right now is something I look forward to being a part of and using my voice in a way that I haven't been able to of late."

On August 5, Markle won a bid to protect the identities of five of her friends amid the ongoing Mail on Sunday legal battle.

On August 5, Markle won a bid to protect the identities of five of her friends amid the ongoing Mail on Sunday legal battle.
Markle believed that the paper was threatening to publish the names of her friends who had defended the duchess in an interview with People. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Markle believed that the paper was threatening to publish the names of her friends who had defended the duchess in an interview with People magazine.

"That is confidential information, the protection of which at this stage is necessary in the interests of the administration of justice, judge Justin Warby announced, according to The Telegraph.

A source close to Markle told Insider: "The Duchess felt it was necessary to take this step to try and protect her friends — as any of us would — and we're glad this was clear. We are happy that the Judge has agreed to protect these five individuals."

Advertisement

Later that month, Markle sat down with icon Gloria Steinem and called Prince Harry a feminist.

Later that month, Markle sat down with icon Gloria Steinem and called Prince Harry a feminist.
Meghan Markle and Gloria Steinem. MAKERS/Facebook

"I look at our son and what a beautiful example that he gets to grow up with a father who is so comfortable owning that as part of his own self-identification," Markle told Steinem during their chat for the feminist media platform Makers.

"That there's no shame in being someone who advocates for fundamental human rights for everyone, which of course includes women," she added.

On August 31, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex planted flowers in honor of Princess Diana on the anniversary of her death.

On August 31, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex planted flowers in honor of Princess Diana on the anniversary of her death.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle plant flowers at the Preschool Learning Center in Los Angeles. Matt Sayles via The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

Harry and Markle planted forget-me-nots, Diana's favorite flower, with children at the Preschool Learning Center in Los Angeles, which provides support to local low-income families.

Advertisement

On September 2, it was announced that Harry and Markle had founded their own production company and signed a multiyear deal with Netflix.

On September 2, it was announced that Harry and Markle had founded their own production company and signed a multiyear deal with Netflix.
Harry and Markle said they wanted to make inspirational family programming. Samir Hussein/WireImage

The couple plan to produce documentaries, docuseries, feature films, scripted television shows, and children's programming under their new production company, The New York Times initially reported.

"Our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope," the duke and duchess told the Times. "As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us."

Days later it was announced that Harry and Markle had paid back the $3 million of taxpayer's money they used to renovate Frogmore Cottage, their royal residence.

Days later it was announced that Harry and Markle had paid back the $3 million of taxpayer's money they used to renovate Frogmore Cottage, their royal residence.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex formerly resided at Frogmore Cottage. GOR/Getty Images

A spokesperson confirmed the duke had paid the bill in full by making a contribution to the Sovereign Grant.

It appeared to show that Harry and Markle had fulfilled their wish of becoming financially independent from the royal family.

Advertisement

On September 22, Harry joined Markle in urging Americans to vote in the US presidential election.

On September 22, Harry joined Markle in urging Americans to vote in the US presidential election.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle encouraged Americans to vote in the TIME 100 video. TIME/YouTube

"Every four years, we are told the same thing, that 'this is the most important election of our lifetime.' But this one is," Markle said during the couple's virtual appearance for the 2020 TIME 100. "When we vote, our values are put into action and our voices are heard. Your voice is a reminder that you matter. Because you do. And you deserve to be heard."

"When the bad outweighs the good, for many, whether we realize it or not, it erodes our ability to have compassion and our ability to put ourself in someone else's shoes," Harry added.

"Because when one person buys into negativity online, the effects are felt exponentially. It's time to not only reflect, but act. As we approach this November, it's vital that we reject hate speech, misinformation, and online negativity."

In October, the duke and duchess had a virtual chat with activist Malala Yousafzai and spoke about seeing their son Archie grow up.

In October, the duke and duchess had a virtual chat with activist Malala Yousafzai and spoke about seeing their son Archie grow up.
Malala Yousafzai, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle discussed girls' access to education. Malala Fund/YouTube

During a discussion with Malala Yousafzai about the importance of girls having access to education, Prince Harry and Markle opened up about how the pandemic had given them more time to spend with Archie.

"We were both there for his first steps, his first run, his first fall… everything," Harry said.

"It's just fantastic because I think in so many ways we are fortunate to be able to have this time to watch him grow," Markle said. "In the absence of Covid, we would be traveling and working more externally and we'd miss a lot of those moments. So I think it's been a lot of really good family time."

Advertisement

Later that month, it was announced that Markle's ongoing privacy trial with the Mail on Sunday would be delayed at least nine months.

Later that month, it was announced that Markle's ongoing privacy trial with the Mail on Sunday would be delayed at least nine months.
Markle's trial was pushed back for confidential reasons. Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images

The High Court in London agreed to push back the prearranged date "after hearing confidential reasons from Meghan's lawyers," the Evening Standard's court correspondent Tristan Kirk wrote on Twitter.

The trial was originally due to take place on January 11, 2021. The new date is yet to be officially confirmed.

In November, it was reported that the royal family was upset that they were missing out on the chance to watch Archie grow up.

In November, it was reported that the royal family was upset that they were missing out on the chance to watch Archie grow up.
A source said that Prince Charles was especially missing his grandson. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge/Twitter

A friend of Prince Charles who spoke to Mail Online said "everyone really misses Archie," adding that the prince regularly visited Markle and Prince Harry before they moved to California.

"The Prince of Wales enjoyed popping into Frogmore Cottage to see his youngest grandchild and is sad that he hasn't seen him for so long," the friend added. "He has missed much of his development since he is now growing up in the USA."

"Other members of the family are very sad at not seeing him. Everyone really misses Archie – they feel it's particularly sad for the Queen and Prince Philip. Harry always said he looked forward to raising his family with William's — which of course is not now happening."

Advertisement

On November 8, it was revealed that Prince Harry's request to take part in the royal family's Remembrance Sunday service had been turned down.

On November 8, it was revealed that Prince Harry's request to take part in the royal family's Remembrance Sunday service had been turned down.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle laid flowers at the Los Angeles National Cemetery to mark Remembrance Day. Lee Morgan/The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

The Duke of Sussex reportedly asked that a wreath be laid on his behalf at the Cenotaph, where the Queen and members of the royal family led tributes to those who died in the two world wars and other conflicts.

However, he was denied on the grounds that "he is no longer representing the monarchy," according to the Times. The publication added that the Queen was not made aware of Harry's request.

Harry and Markle instead paid their respects at the Los Angeles National Cemetery, where they laid flowers that the duchess picked from their garden at the gravesites of two commonwealth soldiers.

On November 25, Markle penned a candid New York Times op-ed article that revealed she'd had a miscarriage in July.

On November 25, Markle penned a candid New York Times op-ed article that revealed she'd had a miscarriage in July.
"I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second," Markle wrote. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

In the article, titled "The Losses We Share," Markle wrote that she felt a "sharp cramp" one morning as she was changing her son's diaper.

"I dropped to the floor with him in my arms, humming a lullaby to keep us both calm, the cheerful tune a stark contrast to my sense that something was not right," she added. "I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second."

"Hours later, I lay in a hospital bed, holding my husband's hand. I felt the clamminess of his palm and kissed his knuckles, wet from both our tears. Staring at the cold white walls, my eyes glazed over. I tried to imagine how we'd heal."

Advertisement

In December, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex sent out their first family Christmas card from the US.

In December, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex sent out their first family Christmas card from the US.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with Archie in 2019. Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

The photo shows Markle and Harry on either side of Archie. The whole family, including their two dogs Pula and Guy, is pictured in front of a playhouse in their California yard.

The card was publicly shared by Mayhew, an animal welfare charity that Markle supports. In 2019, the couple's family card had been shared by The Queen's Commonwealth Trust.

On December 29, Harry and Markle released the first episode of the new podcast Archewell Audio on Spotify.

On December 29, Harry and Markle released the first episode of the new podcast Archewell Audio on Spotify.
The couple's son Archie publicly spoke for the first time on the podcast. Pool/Samir Hussein via Getty Images

Sir Elton John, Tyler Perry, James Cordon, Naomi Osaka, Stacey Abrams, and Matt Haig all appeared in the episode, as did the couple's son Archie.

It was the first time Archie had been heard speaking publicly, sparking questions on whether he had a British or American accent.

A day later, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex launched the Archewell website for their nonprofit organization. It also has information about their Archewell Audio podcast — which exclusively streams on Spotify, as part of a deal the couple struck with the streaming giant — and Archewell Productions partnership with Netflix.

Harry and Markle used the site launch to share a letter to 2021, saying they hoped for a better world.

"We believe in the best of humanity," the couple said. "Because we have seen the best of humanity. We have experienced compassion and kindness, from our mothers and strangers alike."

Advertisement

In January 2021, it was reported that Harry and Markle would be expected to attend the Queen's 95th birthday celebrations in June.

In January 2021, it was reported that Harry and Markle would be expected to attend the Queen's 95th birthday celebrations in June.
If Harry and Markle are able to attend the event on June 12, it also means they will likely be there to celebrate Prince Philip's 100th birthday as well. James Devaney/FilmMagic/Getty Images, Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

The parade — which usually consists of 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians at Buckingham Palace — will likely be scaled down to adhere to any social distancing restrictions that will be in force.

If Harry and Markle are able to attend the event on June 12, it also means they will likely be there to celebrate Prince Philip's 100th birthday on June 10.

News of Harry and Markle's expected attendance came amid reports that the couple this year would be a "time of healing" for the royal family.

Speaking to People magazine, a source close to the couple said they're "hoping 2021 can be a time of healing not just for the world, but for their family."

"Family disagreements tend to lose heat with distance and time," the source added.

Next StoryA lifelong car collector is auctioning 48 of his ...
Advertisement
Popular on BI
Latest Stories
View All Latest
Trending News
Buying Guides
Advertisement
Popular Categories
Trending Right Now

Copyright © 2024. Times Internet Limited. All rights reserved.For reprint rights. Times Syndication Service.