Meghan Markle has been under intense public scrutiny since she and Prince Harry began dating—a spotlight that only intensified after they left England and stepped away from the royal family.

The couple’s story began in 2016 when a mutual friend introduced them, hoping they would hit it off and perhaps start a romantic relationship.

It wasn’t long before their romance became public, catapulting Meghan into the global spotlight as the woman dating the world’s most eligible bachelor.

Although Meghan was already a recognized figure in Hollywood, her fame skyrocketed as curiosity about their relationship spread worldwide.

Their whirlwind romance and rapid engagement captivated the public. In May 2018, they wed in a highly anticipated ceremony, and by October of that year, the couple announced that they were expecting their first child.

Joining the British royal family presented significant challenges for Meghan. She had to adapt to a vastly different lifestyle, navigate numerous restrictions, and face skepticism from some who didn’t accept her as a royal due to her background as an American and a Black actress.

The media’s relentless scrutiny of Meghan became so intense that Kensington Palace issued a statement pleading with the press to ease off. Eventually, overwhelmed by the constant pressure, Meghan and Harry made the momentous decision to leave England and step back from their royal duties.

The couple stated their desire to provide their child with a more peaceful upbringing and to achieve financial independence from the royal family while continuing to support Queen Elizabeth.

“This geographic balance will allow us to raise our son with respect for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also giving our family the space to focus on the next chapter,” they explained.

Their decision shocked many, leading to speculation that Meghan had influenced Harry to abandon his royal duties.

Since then, their family life seems to have become more private. Meghan also revealed that she kept a diary from the time she began dating Harry until recently.

If published, her diary would likely become a bestseller, but it would undoubtedly anger the royal family.

During her time as a royal, Meghan reportedly made some controversial decisions. One of the most criticized was her announcement of her pregnancy during Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s wedding—a move that many saw as a breach of protocol and a moment that should have belonged to the bride and groom.

Meghan’s decision to reveal the pregnancy news at that time was seen as a misstep, sparking further tension within the royal family.