Harry and Meghan Markle’s Anniversary: Insights Into Royal Relationships

Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, recently marked their third wedding anniversary and announced that they are expecting their second child in the coming summer.

As their ties with the royal family remain strained and the couple forges new connections in the United States, there are rumblings that some long-time acquaintances feel abandoned by the duo.

Among those who opted to step away from Harry's inner circle is Cressida, a past romantic interest of the prince.

In a cryptic post on her Instagram account, she shared a thought that has since been linked by a royal expert to their separation.

The message read, “No matter how educated, talented, rich, or cool you believe you are, how you treat people ultimately reveals your true nature.”

Cressida, an actress, was romantically involved with Prince Harry from 2012 to 2014.

Speculation suggests that a significant factor contributing to their parting ways was her struggle to navigate the intense public scrutiny that came with dating a member of the royal family.

However, author Robert Lacey delved deeper into their relationship dynamics in his book, “Battle of Brothers.”

Lacey asserted that Cressida perceived Harry as a troubled and self-absorbed individual, harboring a deep-seated unease regarding media attention.

Describing him as having a “neurosis” about the press, she reportedly confided in friends about his distress over imagined paparazzi presence.

This perspective sheds light on the complexities of their bond beyond the surface.

In more recent times, Prince Harry has been candid about his mental health struggles, particularly the challenges he faced during a tumultuous period between the ages of 28 and 32.

Reflecting on these years in a mental health series on Apple TV Plus alongside Oprah Winfrey, he disclosed battling severe anxiety and panic attacks, characterizing the timeframe as a “nightmare.”

During this phase, which coincided with his relationship with Cressida, Harry recounted experiencing overwhelming fear and discomfort, manifesting in heightened stress responses to everyday situations.

His openness about seeking therapy to address these issues underscores the importance of mental well-being and the support he received from key individuals in his life, including his brother Prince William and wife Meghan Markle.

Despite their romantic split, Cressida and Harry maintained an amicable friendship, evident when she attended his wedding to Meghan in 2018.

Julie Montagu, Viscountess Hinchingbrook, highlighted parallels between Harry's past romantic entanglements and his union with Meghan, raising questions about commitment and the pressures associated with royal affiliations.

Drawing comparisons to Harry's previous relationships, Montagu pondered whether reluctance to fully embrace royal duties played a role in the decisions of his former partners.

The reflections on Harry's past experiences shed light on the complexities of navigating personal relationships within the context of royal responsibilities, offering insights into the intricacies of his journey towards finding fulfillment and stability.