Innocent picture of Prince George was

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step back as senior royals reportedly stemmed from a “wake-up call” triggered by a photo of Prince George. Royal expert Andrew Morton claimed that an official portrait released in January 2020, featuring Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Prince William, and young Prince George, solidified the couple’s resolve to move to the US. The image, showcasing the royal line of succession, allegedly made Harry and Meghan feel sidelined, as they interpreted it as a message that the monarchy’s future was secure without them. Morton also suggested that discussions about leaving the UK may have started as early as 2018.

In a recent podcast, Morton revealed that Harry had conversations with Oprah Winfrey in late 2018, hinting at a possible move. Following their departure, dubbed “Megxit,” Harry has faced challenges, including losing his legal battle to reinstate taxpayer-funded security, which he described as his “worst fear.” He expressed concern about his family’s safety and the difficulty of visiting the UK without protection. Despite ongoing tensions, Harry has expressed his hope for reconciliation with his family, stating that he wants to move past conflicts and focus on healing relationships.

The picture is said to have helped solidify their decision (Ranald Mackechnie/theroyalfamily/Instagram)