A New Year photo showing the Queen with her heirs Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince George convinced Prince Harry and Meghan that the “entire institution” was against them, according to a new book.
The claim, which was made in a book by author Andrew Morton, says that in 2020, Queen Elizabeth released a picture of herself standing next to her son Prince Charles, grandson Prince William and great-grandson Prince George in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace.
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But in the unauthorised biography: Meghan: A Hollywood Princess, author Andrew alleges that the picture was a major factor in Harry and Meghan parting ways with the Royal family.
He writes: "The royal couple suspected that the entire institution was conspiring against them. As they saw it, the evidence was all around them.
"The unspoken code was straightforward: the future of the monarchy was assured, with or without Meghan and Harry."
Just days after the photo was released, Meghan and Harry shocked the world by sharing a status on social media saying they were stepping back from their senior roles, according to the Mirror.
Saying they had spend "many months" reflecting over the decision, they explained they planned to "carve out a progressive new role within [the] institution" while becoming financially independent.
They've since moved to California with their son Archie, where they have set up a new life and also welcomed a daughter Lilibet.
This year is set to be a big one for the couple, with the possible release of some of their TV shows and Lilibet celebrating their first birthday.
However, their most eagerly anticipated project will be the release of Harry's tell-all memoir.
In a statement confirming the book, he said: "I'm writing this not as the prince I was born but as the man, I have become.
“I've worn many hats over the years, both literally and figuratively, and my hope is that in telling my story - the highs and lows, the mistakes, the lessons learned - I can help show that no matter where we come from, we have more in common than we think.
A blurb from publisher Penguin Random House read: “In an intimate and heartfelt memoir from one of the most fascinating and influential global figures of our time, Prince Harry will share, for the very first time, the definitive account of the experiences, adventures, losses, and life lessons that have helped shape him."
