Meghan and Harry's relationship with royal family in a 'better space' as tensions ease just days before Megxit
The tensions between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family have cooled a little as their official exit date approaches at the end of this month, a royal source has revealed. Harry and Meghan Markle will be stepping down as senior members of the royal family on March 31 despite the Covid-19 pandemic threatening to spiral out of control in the UK, and the couple work on the relationship with the family after the exit.
"Things are in a better space now between the couple and the royal family," a source told ET. "While of course there have been tensions, the family is getting through it."
Harry and Meghan had made the bombshell announcement that they would be stepping away from the royal family and working toward becoming financially independent in January.
"After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution," they said at the time in a statement.
"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. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment."
The Sussexes had decided that they would be splitting their between UK and Canada after their move away from the royal family and the source said they still feel they are doing the right thing.
"It was a difficult decision for Harry and Meghan," the source shared. "They love their family, but given the relentless onslaught by the media, they did what they thought was right for their family and son."
The source, however, added that Prince William was "unhappy that things weren't handled privately."
While it was previously reported that the brothers had held secret peace talks after Megxit to mend their relationship, their meeting during what was Harry's and Meghan's last round of royal engagements was icy. Harry greeted William with just a brief, tight-lipped smile, and then they sat far away from each other.
William was reportedly reportedly "insulted" by his brother's comments about the royal family, including the remarks made on the Sussex Royal website, and feels he has "disrespected" the institution of the monarchy and their grandmother, the Queen.
Harry, on the other hand, is said to be "profoundly unhappy" as he believes he has been cut adrift by his family, that Meghan was not made sufficiently welcome, and that his work is seen as less important compared to that of his brother.
After moving out from Frogmore Cottage, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex bought a mansion in Canada's Vancouver Island, where they are currently living with their son Archie. The couple, like the rest of the country and the world, is said to be taking precautions against the novel coronavirus that has infected more than 382,000 people.
"Like everyone, they're taking appropriate measures and heeding government advice, if and when they are specifically made aware of being in contact with someone who has tested positive, they will act accordingly," a source revealed.