Writing about the royal family often means documenting major historical milestones. From the Jubilee to the Royal Wedding to Prince Andrew's dramatic downfall (opens in new tab), these outstanding moments are the peaks of activity that propel the royal family into the global spotlight. But it is often the more intimate encounters that stay in the mind. [On March 9, 2020, as Meghan said her final goodbyes to her staff inside Buckingham Palace, I somehow found myself watching Ringside View (opens in new tab). I remember standing next to two other journalists in the 1844 room (decorated in many colors, but I remember only that it was pale blue and gold that day) as Lady Meghan entered to meet Commonwealth scholars. I remember how sophisticated she looked, how calm she looked in her pinwheels, and how emotional she became after most people left and she said her final goodbyes to the staff.

There is always tension when members of the royal family go through an engagement. People are nervous, they want to make the right impression in the small amount of time they have, and everyone wants everything to go according to plan. But there was another kind of tension that day. The scholars were happy to be in Buckingham Palace, but their patrons were away from royal life after a very public and acrimonious split with "The Firm." Negotiations on the future of the Sussex family were complete and a decision was announced in January. But the luxurious surroundings were at odds with my feeling that we were still on the warpath.

Much has changed since then, not to mention that the pandemic has dominated the year for everyone. So we may not have a complete sense of what kind of new life the Sussexes were going to lead (especially as to how much time they might spend in the UK, for example). But it has also become clear over the past nine months that the couple has not looked back. They may technically be in transition until next March (open in new tab), but their independent lives are rapidly taking shape in ways that seem increasingly incompatible with a return to the royal family.

First, there is the issue of money. In a move that swiftly silences criticism of their financial ties to the British public, Harry and Meghan have repaid the £2.4 million in taxes used to renovate Frogmore Cottage (open in new tab) and have also prepaid some rent so that they can use the property when they return to the UK. She no longer receives financial support from Prince Charles and has purchased her own home in Santa Barbara. Just recently, Princess Meghan announced her first public investment in California-based oatmeal milk super-latte company Clevr Blends (opens in new tab), which also has a multi-year production deal with Netflix (opens in new tab) worth up to $150 million and a seemingly financially lucrative podcast deal with Spotify (opens in new tab), which is rumored to be worth up to $150 million.

Harry and Meghan's central goal in leaving royal life was to become financially independent, and they have done so. In doing so, however, they created a large gulf between the way they operated and the way the royal family operated. Instead of performing their official duties, the Royal Family is funded by the British taxpayer. While it is frowned upon to privately profit from their position, they do so because they have public funds and other sources of income (such as the Duchy of Lancaster for the monarch (opens in new tab) and the Duchy of Cornwall for the heir (opens in new tab)) to fund their lifestyles and hobbies.

Except for the opening of the royal accounts once a year, the financial workings of the monarchy usually pass by with little attention. However, Harry and Meghan's departure put the issue of money in the spotlight, exposing the lack of clear guidelines when conventions are abandoned. On the one hand, if that profile exists for the Royal Family, it is legitimate to raise an eyebrow at signing a lucrative commercial deal. On the other hand, if the Sussexes do not receive any public funds and intend to use their position for good causes, where is the basis that they should not lead their lives in this manner?" The conflict in which they find themselves is merely a reflection of the paradox of monarchy in a modern democracy. The conflict they are in is simply a reflection of the paradox of monarchy in a modern democracy.

Those close to Harry and Meghan acknowledge that it has been a sometimes difficult and turbulent year. But the Sussexes also faced personal struggles in 2020. Among other things, Meghan's moving editorial (opens in new tab) about her summer miscarriage powerfully illustrates the devastating impact of such an experience.

The couple is now settled in their mansion in Santa Barbara, but spent the first half of this year traveling with their son Archie between Canada and other people's homes in the United States. It is increasingly clear that the U.S. will be their main base, although they would have returned to the U.K. had it not been for the pandemic.

Princess Meghan told journalist Emily Ramshaw in August that it was "good to be home (open in new tab)," and the change in attitude since last year is evident in the video call. Despite her background as an actress, her nervousness was not hidden when she was interviewed for an ITV documentary (opens in new tab) during her last royal tour in South Africa in September 2019. These days she is in complete contrast, full of easygoing confidence.

But what about Harry?" Often in the past, we have portrayed a confused prince, wavering between various responsibilities. There is no doubt that Harry was deeply frustrated by the consequences of his decision to leave more royal responsibilities than he had originally desired in order to gain his freedom. This was revealed when he was unable to perform the official ceremony of paying his respects at the Cenotaph on Memorial Sunday. Instead, the prince visited the Los Angeles cemetery (opens in new tab) to informally and publicly pay his respects, which sparked controversy and highlighted the major challenges remaining for the new regime.

Those who understand the situation point to the fact that Harry's ties to the military are a major concern and consideration for him. There is no doubt that the Prince will maintain strong ties to the military through the Invictus Games and other charitable activities. However, it is unlikely that the prince, who was forced to leave his honorary military status, will be able to return to honorary military status while he is not an active royal.

There is also the question of how his relationship with other organizations, such as the Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Football League, continues. While he has maintained his official status this year and continues to keep in touch, these organizations traditionally have active royalty as patrons, and the Queen gave both patronages to Harry in 2016. For Harry and Meghan's small team remaining in the UK, there is still much to be resolved.

There is no doubt that the Sussexes continue to polarize public opinion. But as is often the case, reality is not so extreme. Does Harry miss his life as an active royalty? It is very likely that he does. But does that mean he is not happy with his choices?" He felt he had to do something to protect his family and create a better life for them." The home they now have in California, the work they can do, the charity work they can do, and Archie's growth are truly a blessing."

In March, Princess Meghan said a tearful goodbye to her royal life. Today, it is hard to argue with the notion that she and Harry are well on their way to the American dream.