Back in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made an announcement that sent shockwaves around the world. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who had only married less than two years prior at the time, had decided to step down from their working royal roles in favor of a freer life in the United States.

Now, five years later, Harry and Meghan seemingly have what they’ve always wanted — a family free to do anything they want, on their own terms, outside the confines of a palace. But Harry still reportedly has one major regret about the way he announced his departure.

Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry | Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Prince Harry reportedly regrets blindsiding Queen Elizabeth II

There have always been stories about how the royal exit truly played out behind closed doors. Without the family saying much, it’s been hard to fully understand what went on outside the public eye. But Harry reportedly did not give fair warning to the queen about his decision to fully step down.

When Harry ultimately decided to exit his royal role, a source close to the prince told The Telegraph at the time, “I don’t think he fully appreciated the impact the statement would have in terms of them not consulting the queen. He regrets that.”

By the time the dust had settled, though, Harry and his grandmother were still on good terms. Harry and Meghan returned to the United Kingdom to celebrate the queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, and they later spent more than a week in England immediately following her death. The couple chose to name their daughter, Princess Lilibet Diana, after the queen and Princess Diana.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle don’t seem to regret living in the United States

Harry and Meghan’s choice to leave the United Kingdom was made only after the two spent nearly two years battling rumors from the British media about everything from their marriage to the royal relationships and even Meghan’s own personal relationships with family and friends. Five years after they stepped down, the two seem to be enjoying the ability to choose their own adventure.

Meghan recently announced her new Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, which premieres on January 15. Harry has continued focusing on his Invictus Games, and the two have made a number of friends in California, from billionaires to high-profile celebrities. Plus, Harry said that he enjoys being able to go out and about with his two children in ways he would not have been able to in the UK.