Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, remain two of the most closely watched public figures in the world. Since stepping back as senior working royals in 2020, they have built new lives in California while continuing charitable, media, and advocacy work.
Recent years have brought both opportunities and challenges for the couple. Public statements, media projects, and appearances have shed light on their priorities: mental health awareness, youth empowerment, gender equality, and humanitarian issues. At the same time, the couple has openly acknowledged the pressures of life under scrutiny, both in the United Kingdom and in the United States.
This article explores Meghan and Harry’s current activities, their focus on family, and the role of public communication in shaping perceptions about their journey.
Life in California: A New Chapter
Since relocating to Montecito, California, in 2020, Harry and Meghan have sought to balance privacy with public engagement. Their home has served as both a retreat for family life and a hub for professional projects.
Through their nonprofit organization, Archewell Foundation, they have pursued philanthropic initiatives in areas such as disaster relief, online safety for children, and mental health resources. According to the official Archewell Foundation impact reports, the organization has partnered with groups like World Central Kitchen, Invictus Games Foundation, and the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund.
By establishing Archewell Productions and collaborating with Netflix and Spotify, the couple has also shared personal stories through documentaries and podcasts. These projects aim to promote understanding of global issues while offering insight into their personal experiences.
Public Communication and Media Engagement
Both Harry and Meghan have relied on public platforms to communicate directly with audiences. Interviews with outlets such as Oprah Winfrey in 2021 and Netflix’s docuseries Harry & Meghan in 2022 provided their perspective on royal life, media scrutiny, and family challenges.
Meghan has also engaged with digital media, including launching her lifestyle brand and podcast Archetypes, which explored stereotypes facing women. Harry, meanwhile, has published his memoir Spare, offering a detailed account of his personal journey, including his military service, struggles with grief, and reflections on royal duty.
Their willingness to speak openly about sensitive topics such as stress, emotional well-being, and family pressures has resonated with some audiences, even as it has sparked debate.
Prince Harry’s Commitment to Mental Health Advocacy
One of Prince Harry’s most consistent areas of focus has been mental health. As a co-founder of the Heads Together campaign alongside Prince William and Princess Catherine, he has long championed breaking stigma around seeking help.
In California, this work has continued. He collaborated with Oprah Winfrey on the Apple TV+ docuseries The Me You Can’t See, in which he discussed personal struggles and the importance of therapy. Harry has also spoken at conferences about the impact of digital environments on young people’s well-being.
Medical experts, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have emphasized that stress and mental health challenges are widespread global issues. Harry’s advocacy aligns with these global priorities by encouraging conversations about resilience and care.
Meghan Markle’s Advocacy for Gender Equality and Education
Meghan has consistently highlighted causes focused on gender equality, education, and women’s empowerment. While serving as a working royal, she supported initiatives like the Smart Works charity, which helps women enter the workforce.
Since moving to the United States, Meghan has spoken at forums such as the UN Women’s event in New York and participated in discussions about building safer online spaces for children. Through Archewell, she continues to promote access to education, particularly for young women and marginalized communities.
Her efforts reflect global goals identified by organizations such as UNICEF and UN Women, which stress the importance of education and gender equity as foundations for healthier, more just societies.
Managing Stress Under Public Scrutiny
One of the most consistent themes in Harry and Meghan’s public commentary is the pressure of living under constant media attention. Both have described challenges in balancing their private family life with public expectations.
Research from institutions such as the American Psychological Association (APA) has shown that public scrutiny, online harassment, and high-profile careers can contribute to heightened stress levels. By discussing these issues openly, Harry and Meghan have contributed to a broader cultural dialogue about resilience, coping mechanisms, and the importance of support networks.
Their public communication also underscores the couple’s desire to advocate for systemic change in how the media interacts with public figures, particularly in relation to mental health and online safety.
Family Life with Archie and Lilibet
Despite their public roles, Harry and Meghan have expressed a desire to give their children — Archie and Lilibet — as normal a childhood as possible. The Duke and Duchess occasionally share photos or anecdotes about family milestones but generally keep their children out of the spotlight.
Their parenting approach reflects broader discussions on balancing privacy and public identity in the digital era. According to child development experts at UNICEF, stable family environments and limited exposure to negative online content are essential for children’s well-being.
By prioritizing their children’s privacy, Harry and Meghan have underscored their commitment to creating a safe and nurturing home environment.
Public Reactions and Media Narratives
Reactions to Harry and Meghan’s public appearances, statements, and projects often vary widely. Supporters praise their honesty, charitable work, and advocacy, while critics question their media strategy or approach to the monarchy.
This divide reflects the polarized media environment surrounding the couple. Coverage from outlets such as the BBC, The Guardian, and Sky News has documented both the positive reception of their charitable initiatives and the controversies surrounding their personal disclosures.
Regardless of the opinions, it is clear that Harry and Meghan continue to shape global conversations about monarchy, celebrity, and public service in the 21st century.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Sussexes?
In the coming years, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to continue their work through Archewell, with a strong focus on technology ethics, mental health, and humanitarian aid. Netflix projects, public speaking engagements, and partnerships with advocacy groups are also likely to remain part of their professional portfolio.
At the same time, they have emphasized that family remains at the center of their lives. Maintaining balance between personal well-being, parenting, and public duty will remain one of their ongoing challenges.
Conclusion
While global attention often focuses on dramatic headlines, the reality of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s lives is one of balancing public advocacy with personal challenges. Their work with Archewell Foundation, their focus on mental health, gender equality, and online safety, and their commitment to family privacy all highlight the complexities of modern public life.
By sharing their perspectives through books, documentaries, and public appearances, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have sought to redefine what it means to serve communities outside of traditional royal structures.
In an age where public figures are scrutinized more than ever, Harry and Meghan continue to remind audiences that behind the headlines are real human experiences — shaped by resilience, advocacy, and a commitment to creating positive change.