The drama that unfolded in the press and public since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped back as senior royals in the Royal Family in 2020 was unmatched.
And according to a reporter who was there during Markle’s final engagement, it was a time of ‘mourning’ for the staff who had waited on the couple during their time at Buckingham Palace.
The Duchess of Sussex had called a private meeting with Association of Commonwealth Universities scholars as she prepared to head to Canada with her family.
After a whirlwind of rumours, Markle invited her aides and journalists to attend her final engagement that day.
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Omid Scobie, who was one those journalists, has explained how she was 'tearful' as she bid her staff goodbye, and they returned the same sentiment.
Scobie later wrote in his book Finding Freedom, co-authored with Carolyn Durand, that Markle hugged him before reportedly uttering seven words as she said farewell.
Scobie penned: "Staff who had been with the couple from day one were mourning the end of what was supposed to be a happy story: two people fall in love, get married, have a baby, serve the Queen, the end. Instead, they were leaving the country.
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"As Meghan gave me a final hug goodbye, she said, 'It didn't have to be this way.'"
Scobie went on to further explain in an article for Harper’s Bazaar that the ‘tears that the Duchess had been bravely holding back [were] free to flow among familiar faces’.
He shared: "The Duchess of Sussex emotionally [bid] much-loved aides farewell, with her flight 'home' to Canada leaving in a matter of hours.
"Meghan would fly back to Canada on the last commercial flight of the day, eager to be back in Vancouver Island by the morning before Archie wakes up."
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Markle was also said to have disclosed to a close friend in 'tears' that she gave up her 'entire life for this family' after being slated for the couple’s choice to step away from their royal duties.
At the time she reportedly said she ‘was willing to do whatever it takes’ to make things work.
After so much vitriol from the tabloids, the public and allegedly some members of the Royal Family, the pair released a statement announcing their departure in January 2020.
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It read: "After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen."
They concluded the statement by saying: "We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support."
Markle and Prince Harry went on to finish their last public engagement together on 9 March, 2020 and moved away shortly afterwards.
Tyla has contacted representatives for Meghan Markle for comment.
Topics: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Royal Family
Britt Jones