Meghan Markle and Prince Harry moved to USA after stepping back from their royal titles

Meghan Markle Opens Up About Life After Stepping Away from Royal Duties

Meghan Markle recently gave a rare glimpse into her life after stepping back from royal responsibilities alongside her husband, Prince Harry. The Duchess of Sussex spoke candidly about the challenges and rewards of balancing public life with personal privacy, especially since relocating to the United States.

In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, Meghan reflected on the major changes she has experienced since moving away from the royal family, her close friendships in America, and the sense of normalcy she has been able to cultivate in her daily life.

“I have a couple of girlfriends up here—these are stay-at-home moms and working women with normal jobs, not in the public eye,” Meghan shared. This statement highlights her effort to build an authentic support system away from the pressures of royal protocols and media scrutiny.

Embracing a New Life in America

Since settling in Montecito, California, Meghan has been focusing on her well-being, fitness, and family. She emphasized how much she enjoys being part of her local community and engaging in everyday activities without the constant watchful eye of the British press.

One of the ways she has reconnected with a sense of normalcy is through fitness. Meghan revealed that she attends yoga classes regularly, something she has always been passionate about.

“I go to group classes that sometimes have 40 to 50 people in them and just walk in like, ‘Hi!’” she said, describing how she blends into the crowd, enjoying the experience as just another participant rather than as a global celebrity.

Beyond fitness, she expressed a deep appreciation for the personal freedom that living in the United States has afforded her.

“I mean, that’s part of how you connect. I love it. It’s the best. I had missed it. It’s awesome,” she confessed, hinting that her life in the U.K. may not have provided the same sense of ease and fulfillment.

The Royal Exit: A Controversial Move

Meghan and Harry’s decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the British Royal Family in 2020 was met with global controversy. Their exit, often referred to as “Megxit,” was fueled by multiple factors, including intense media scrutiny, privacy concerns, and reported tensions within the royal household.

Initially, the couple hoped to maintain a hybrid role, continuing some royal duties while also having the freedom to pursue personal ventures. However, Buckingham Palace ultimately ruled against this arrangement, forcing them to relinquish their official roles and associated privileges.

After months of speculation, they officially settled in California, choosing Montecito as their new home. The move marked the beginning of a new chapter, allowing them to focus on philanthropic work, media projects, and raising their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in a more private environment.

Following their departure, Queen Elizabeth II made it clear that the couple would no longer use their His/Her Royal Highness (HRH) titles. Additionally, their plans to develop the SussexRoyal brand were halted, as they were no longer allowed to use “royal” in any commercial endeavors.

Challenges and Legal Issues Looming for Prince Harry

While Meghan has been enjoying her newfound sense of freedom, Prince Harry is currently facing legal challenges related to his U.S. residency. A U.S. federal judge recently ruled that his visa records must be made public by March 18, 2025.

This ruling comes after growing speculation over whether Harry properly disclosed past drug use when applying for a visa. His candid admissions in his memoir Spare, where he openly discussed past drug use, have raised questions about whether he met the requirements for entry into the U.S.

Legal experts suggest that if irregularities are found in his application, Harry’s residency status in the U.S. could be at risk. While no official action has been taken, the situation has sparked widespread public interest and concern.

What’s Next for Meghan and Harry?

Despite the legal uncertainty surrounding Harry’s visa, Meghan remains focused on carving out her own path in the U.S. The couple has signed lucrative deals with major media companies, including Netflix and Spotify, though their partnership with Spotify ended earlier than expected.

They continue to work on their non-profit organization, Archewell, which focuses on humanitarian efforts, mental health awareness, and media initiatives.

As Meghan and Harry navigate their new roles outside of the royal family, one thing is clear—their journey is far from over. Whether they are making headlines for their charitable work, personal revelations, or legal battles, the world remains captivated by their every move.

For now, Meghan appears to be embracing the joys of everyday life in California, cherishing the moments she spends with her family and close friends. But with the couple’s history of surprises, there’s no telling what they may do next.