It has been more than five years since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle surprised the nation with their decision to step back from their full-time royal duties. Feeling overwhelmed within the monarchy, the couple believed a change was necessary. Their desire for a ‘half-in, half-out’ approach to royal responsibilities presented significant challenges for the rest of the Royal Family.
Before their announcement, the Sussexes had been living in Canada. Meghan returned there to be with their son Archie, while Harry attended the Sandringham Summit alone to discuss the details of their departure.
A Channel Five documentary titled Megxit: Inside the Sandringham Summit examined the events that unfolded during this crucial meeting and analyzed its impact on the monarchy in the long term.
According to one expert, a senior member of the House of Windsor, Prince Philip, was reportedly “horrified” by Harry’s decision to step back. The documentary featured royal author Andrew Morton stating, “Prince Philip is known for his no-nonsense attitude, and he was shocked to see the Royal Family contemplating a potential split.”
Another expert revealed that Prince Philip’s feelings towards Harry were so intense that he opted to leave Sandringham rather than confront him. Journalist Emily Andrews shared, “Philip was furious and chose not to be present. He couldn’t bear the thought of facing his grandson, viewing it as a significant failure of duty.”
Although Prince Philip typically deferred to Queen Elizabeth II on matters of the crown, he held a prominent role in private family affairs.
Prince Philip had a strong bond with both Prince Harry and Prince William, as well as his other grandchildren. He was commended for his support towards the brothers following the tragic loss of their mother in 1997.
During the planning of Princess Diana’s funeral, Prince Philip emphasized that the focus should be on the boys, acknowledging their loss of their mother.
Despite their close relationship, Prince Philip passed away the year after the Sandringham Summit and Harry’s decision to step back from royal duties. This occurred shortly after the Sussexes’ revealing interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Prince Harry returned to the UK for his grandfather’s funeral, which had limited attendees due to COVID-19 restrictions.
In a touching tribute, Prince Harry described his grandfather as the longest-reigning consort to the Monarch, a decorated serviceman, a Prince, and a Duke. To him, Prince Philip was a beloved grandpa known for his barbecuing skills, sense of humor, and mischievous spirit until the very end.
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