It’s been six months since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry permanently stepped back from their royal family roles and decided to build a new life in Montecito, California with their two children. Ahead of the paperback release of royal reporters Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand’s Meghan and Harry-centric Finding Freedom, People dedicated this week’s cover story to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and how the couple is faring on the West Coast.
According to Scobie, Meghan and Harry have learned to keep “some of the toxicity at an arm’s—and ocean’s—length away,” per People. Specifically, the British tabloid press in the U.K., who relentlessly attacked Meghan as well as the institution of the royal family. Back in March, Meghan and Harry spoke candidly to Oprah about their struggles with the tabloids.
“They seem to be existing in a different place, and that place is much healthier,” Scobie said. “Meghan famously spoke about that it was not enough to survive—we are now in the thrive chapter.”
Meghan and Harry opened up to Oprah about their experiences in the Firm. Notably, the couple claimed that a member of the royal family (not the Queen or the late Prince Philip) had concerns that their then-unborn son Archie’s skin would be too dark. Meghan also revealed that the institution refused to let her seek treatment when she struggled with suicidal ideation, and Harry commented that the family has an “invisible contract” with the British tabloids and are scared of them. Harry also said that Charles stopped taking his phone calls at one point and cut him off financially.
The royal family did not take too kindly to the interview and released a terse statement two days later. The statement read: “The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Meghan and Harry. The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. Harry, Meghan, and Archie will always be much loved family members.”
Alyssa Bailey
News and Strategy Editor
Alyssa Bailey is the news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton).
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