During a speech at a charity dinner in London, the duke said: "The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back, is not one made lightly."
The year since Harry and Meghan's 'step back'
It has been a year since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their plans to step back from royal life via Instagram. Discover what the past year has looked like for Harry and Meghan, plus analysis on whether the couple will ever truly escape the monarchy.
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What was behind the Sussexes decision to step back?
Royal fans and the media have debated the real story behind the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's "step back."
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were dropping hints about their unhappiness with royal life for some time prior to their announcement, most noticeably in their 2019 ITV documentary.
Analysis | British tabloids and royal commentators have largely blamed Meghan Markle for the couple's decision to leave. A look at Prince Harry's past, however, suggests that this simply isn't true.
To help the world understand precisely what happened, Insider hired Anthony Del Col and Josh Adams — two accomplished comics creators — to tell this royal tale.
They've started a podcast and signed a deal with Netflix
Since the couple's departure, they have stopped using HRH titles, moved to the US, launched a podcast, outlined plans to launch their charity, and signed a production deal with Netflix.
They now have more freedom of speech than before
Harry and Markle's step back means they have been more outspoken about the causes they are passionate about, such as mental health, according to Insider's Royals reporter, Mikhaila Friel.
They've spoken up about politics
Harry and Meghan received backlash for encouraging Americans to vote ahead of the 2020 general election. The criticism was heightened due to the pair's apparent contrasting relationships with President Donald Trump and President-elect Joe Biden.
Will the couple ever escape the monarchy?
Insider spoke to royal experts, palace insiders, and those who have worked with the couple in the past year, who explain how and why the Sussexes held on to their royal roots during their first year of freedom.
Analysis | As long as Harry remains the son and brother of two future kings, the couple will always have a certain responsibility toward the monarchy.
Marlene Koenig, a royal expert for History Extra, told Insider that "the media would be without mercy" if the couple were to return.