On May 19, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle marked their sixth wedding anniversary — a milestone that feels a world away from the optimism of their royal union in 2018. Their wedding at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle was celebrated across the globe, hailed at the time as a modernizing moment for the monarchy. Alongside Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Sussexes were once seen as the “future of the royal family.”

But in the years since, the picture has changed dramatically. What began as a rift between the brothers grew into a full-scale feud between Harry and Meghan and the wider royal institution. Today, the relationship remains at its lowest point, with experts openly questioning whether reconciliation is possible.

The Wedding That Captivated the World

Harry and Meghan’s May 2018 wedding was the most high-profile royal ceremony since William and Kate’s seven years earlier. While both were grand affairs, their differences reflected the distinct paths the two couples would later take.

Kate arrived with her father, Meghan with her mother — a poignant signal of her estrangement from Thomas Markle. The ceremonies themselves also contrasted: William and Kate’s was traditional and formal, while Harry and Meghan’s had a relaxed tone, highlighted by gospel music and personal touches.

The guest lists spoke volumes. William and Kate’s was filled with world leaders and dignitaries. Harry and Meghan’s, by contrast, drew Hollywood stars — including George and Amal Clooney, Oprah Winfrey, and Serena Williams. Some reports suggested certain A-list guests barely knew the couple, sparking questions about Meghan’s “celebrity court.”

Despite the glamour, cracks appeared quickly. Within days of the wedding, royal reporters noted tensions between Meghan and palace staff, as well as friction between the Sussexes and the Cambridges. By the time their son Archie was born in 2019, the couple was already questioning whether life inside “the Firm” could truly work.

Leaving the Royal Fold

In interviews since, Harry and Meghan have described how relentless media scrutiny and internal resistance pushed them to the breaking point. Meghan told The Cut that the couple had asked to relocate to another Commonwealth country, such as South Africa or Canada, while remaining part of the royal structure. The request was denied.