Prince Harry has reportedly admitted in private conversations that he and Meghan Markle were forced out of their royal roles in 2020, challenging the long-held public narrative that their departure from the monarchy was entirely voluntary. The revelation, first published in a bombshell article by royal correspondent Valentine Low in The Times, has reignited fierce debate over what really happened behind Palace walls during the tumultuous months leading to Megxit. While royal analysts urge caution over media interpretation and anonymous sourcing, the world is watching closely: was the Sussexes’ exit truly a choice — or a forced exile?

According to Low’s sources — described as “senior royal aides and friends close to the couple” — Harry has confided to multiple people that the Palace made it “clear” they would no longer be able to continue as working royals in the way they envisioned. The tipping point, insiders say, came during tense negotiations in early 2020 after the couple’s announcement that they intended to “step back” from senior roles and become financially independent. Harry allegedly felt the options presented were “take it or leave it”: either fully commit to royal duties under strict Palace control or leave entirely — with no middle ground for a hybrid model.

The Sussexes had publicly framed their decision as a positive step toward self-sufficiency and privacy, citing media intrusion and the desire to raise Archie away from the spotlight. But the new claims suggest behind-the-scenes pressure was far more intense. One source quoted in the article said: “Harry has told people privately that they were pushed out. He felt there was no real willingness to compromise or accommodate them.” Another added: “The Palace wanted a clean break — they didn’t want a part-time royal couple with one foot in and one foot out.”

Buckingham Palace has declined to comment directly on the report, but a spokesperson reiterated the official line: “The Duke and Duchess chose to step back from their roles as working members of the Royal Family in January 2020. That decision was respected.” Prince William and King Charles have remained silent, though royal sources say the brothers’ relationship remains “strained but not irreparable.”

The timing of the revelation is significant. It comes amid ongoing tensions over security funding (withdrawn in 2020), the Sussexes’ Netflix deal, and Harry’s memoir Spare. Some commentators suggest the story may be part of a coordinated effort to reframe the narrative ahead of potential future reconciliation talks. Others see it as Harry quietly pushing back against years of media portrayal that painted him as the sole architect of the split.

Public reaction has been swift and polarized. #PushedNotJumped trended with 1.6 million posts, supporters arguing: “They were never given a real choice — the Firm forced their hand.” Critics countered: “Harry’s rewriting history again — he wanted out, now he wants sympathy.” The Sussexes have not commented publicly, but a spokesperson said they remain focused on their charitable work through Archewell.

Royal historian Robert Lacey, author of Battle of Brothers, called the claims “credible but not conclusive.” “There was never a clear path for a part-time royal model,” he said. “The Palace saw it as all or nothing — and the Sussexes chose all on their own terms.”

As the debate rages, one question lingers: if Harry was pushed, who pushed him — and why does the truth still feel so elusive? The House of Windsor remains silent, but the echoes of that January 2020 statement — “We intend to step back” — now sound very different.