Schism! How Harry and Meghan's 'Megxit' bombshell nearly brought the royal family to a standstill – and left the brothers at each other's throats…

The late queen had a famous 'annus horribilis', but her son King Charles had quite a few of his own – thanks in part to his wayward youngest son, Prince Harry.

On this day, January 8, 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex blindsided The Firm by announcing their intention to step back from their official duties and move abroad, sparking a family rift that quickly became 'Megxit' named.

“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year and take on a progressive new role within this institution,” the couple posted on their now-defunct Instagram account.

'We intend to step back as “senior” members of the Royal Family and work towards becoming financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.'

Their faces speak volumes. The Royal Family during the annual Commonwealth Service in 2020 – the last official task before Prince Harry and Meghan step down from their royal positions

At their last engagement, Prince Harry's head was down, but Meghan appeared alert for the cameras

The 'Royal Bombshell' edition of the Daily Mail

The announcement was actually made on the now defunct Sussex Royal Instagram site

They then announced their plans to divide their time between Britain and North America, and to 'focus on the next chapter'.

It proved to be a bitter end to the fairytale romance that Britain had enjoyed with Meghan Markle, an actress best known for her role in an American legal soap opera that injected an injection of California's can-do attitude toward the monarchy. brought.

It also marked the beginning of the end of Harry's relationship with his brother Prince William.

With just ten minutes to go before their post – with the Queen and Prince Philip said to be “devastated” – Buckingham Palace issued its own statement: “We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complex issues that it will take time to work through,” the report said.

It was agreed that Prince Harry, the then Prince Charles, Prince William and the Queen would meet at Sandringham on Monday January 13 to talk things out with their private secretaries.

As part of the 'Sandringham Summit', the Queen had suggested that the family have lunch together before their big meeting that afternoon in the library.

William declined the invitation and preferred to keep his distance from the meeting itself, writes biographer Robert Lacey in his book Battle Of Brothers: William, Harry And The Inside Story Of A Family In Tumult.

The Sussexes had their own ideas about how to start their new life.

“They could become like semi-royals,” Lacey says.

But according to Harry, their suggestions were flouted in the second episode of Netflix's six-part documentary, which charts his life with Meghan.

“It became clear very quickly that that goal was not up for discussion or debate,” he said in the series.

“It was terrifying to see my brother yelling and screaming at me, and my father saying things that just weren't true, and my grandmother sitting there quietly taking it all in.”

Prince Charles and Prince Harry at the premiere for the premiere of the Netflix TV show Our Planet, narrated by David Attenborough, in 2019

Prince Harry looks down as they emerge from Canada House. The next day they would announce their intention to step back from their royal duties and spend more time in North America

The 'Sandringham Summit' took place on January 13

Prince William and Prince Harry still haven't resolved their differences. They are pictured after seeing floral tributes for the late Queen Elizabeth II outside Windsor Castle in 2022

Still, the queen issued a positive statement after the summit about the “constructive discussions about the future of my grandson and his family,” she said.

“My family and I fully support Harry and Meghan's wish to start a new life as a young family.

“While we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their desire to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.”

On Saturday, January 18, Harry and Meghan's future was revealed, when a statement from Buckingham Palace made it clear that the couple was making a clean break from all things royal.

Harry had to give up his beloved military appointments and his role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador.

They would also no longer receive income from the Sovereign Grant and public funds for royal duties, and would reimburse the costs of renovating Frogmore Cottage.

And their newly adopted Sussex Royal brand name was also criticized by the Queen, who ruled that they could not use it to market their merchandise and operations in North America.

The couple made their final round of royal engagements in March 2020, before flying to California, where they now live in the wealthy enclave of Montecito.

In February 2021, after a year-long review period, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the couple would not return to their royal roles.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Buckingham Palace for a flypast for the RAF's centenary in 2018. It would prove to be their last appearance on the balcony

Frogmore Cottage on the Home Park Estate was briefly home to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex

Smartly dressed Meghan and Harry attend the Mountbatten Festival of Music at the Royal Albert Hall. This was during their last week as working royals

Prince Harry and Meghan returned with a statement that pointedly referenced that of the late Queen: “We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”

“Following discussions with The Duke, The Queen has written to confirm that stepping away from the work of the Royal Family will not allow her to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service,” the statement said.

Prince Harry and Meghan returned with a statement that pointedly referenced the Queen's: “We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”

Prince Harry and Meghan's office also said the couple “remain committed to their duty and service to Britain and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organizations they represent, regardless of their official role.” '