Meghan Markle 'pleased' she 'got what she wanted' before split

Harry and Meghan announced they were quitting royal life in January 2020, less than two years after tying the knot. And it could have been exactly what Meghan wanted all along, according to an expert

Meghan Markle could well have got exactly what she wanted by marrying Prince Harry and promptly leaving the royal family, according to an expert.

The former Suits star was warmly welcomed by the Queen and other royals once she started dating Harry. But less than two years after their 2018 wedding, the couple shocked fans with the news they were quitting royal life.

They subsequently moved to Canada, returning for certain engagements - including the Commonwealth Day service in March 2020. And there is one photo capturing Harry and Meghan walking behind the royals that speaks a thousand words.

It's a significant image; not only is it the last photo showing Meghan and the late Queen together, but the tensions between family members is quite clear. "Look how angry, really, Harry looks here at the back," Richard Eden noted on YouTube, pointing to the Duke's stern expression as he leaves Westminster Abbey behind his father and older brother. "The others are trying to put on very neutral expressions, but he looks angry and bitter.

"Everyone looks pretty unhappy essentially, apart from, I dare say, Meghan. Look at the expression on her face. She seems kind of pleased really, as if maybe she's got what she wanted."

The royal commentator continued: "You know there were people at the time who said, you know, perhaps that's what Meghan wanted. She married into the royal family, she's got her prince, and now she's taking him back to America. So maybe that accounts for her expression".

Meghan and Prince Harry announced they intended to "step back as senior members of the Royal Family" and split their time between the U.K. and North America on 8 January 2020.

"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 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."

Days later, Harry, his father Charles and his brother William met with the Queen at Sandringham to discuss Harry and Meghan's announcement in what became known as the 'Sandringham Summit'. After the 90-minute discussion, the Queen released a rare and emotional statement.

"Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family," she said. "My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan's desire to create a new life as a young family.

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

The monarch also announced there would be a "period of transition" as they fully fledged out their new roles. It was later confirmed that there would be a one-year probational period, after which the royal family will revisit the agreement.

Then, in February 2021, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the couple would not be returning to their royal roles. Meghan and Harry lost their patronages and Harry lost his honorary military appointments, which were subsequently redistributed "among working members of The Royal Family."

They were also stopped from using their His/Her Royal Highness titles - although they retained them, along with their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles.

"While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family," the Buckingham Palace announcement said.