Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, recently announced that they will be stepping back from their roles as senior royals, relocating to Canada, and living off their independent wealth. This news shocked many because Meghan seemingly had it all. So why wasn’t she happy?? She’s married to her true love, became a mother in 2019, and as Prince Harry’s wife, is a member of the Royal Family. She was living the dream, right? However, Meghan’s life may not have been the fairy tale it was often cracked up to be.
If you grew in the Disney Princess era, then you know that many little girls, like myself, were predisposed to the notion that we needed a handsome prince to rescue us from our life of despair. Only this mystery man could unlock the spell or save us from danger and grant us a fairy tale life as a princess. Queen Bey excluded, the closet thing Americans have to Disney royalty is England’s Royal Family at Buckingham Palace, complete with a queen, princess, royal guards, etc.
So, when Harry and Meghan announced their engagement, Meghan was envied by many young girls and women in America. After the royal wedding, she became a real-life American princess. This recent announcement, however, is a lesson for all of us. When Meghan found herself unhappy, she didn’t look to her “prince” to rescue her; she decided to make a financial decision outside the norm that will likely benefit her and her offspring’s prosperity. So, instead of gossiping about or judging her, let’s take note of the financial lessons we can apply to our own lives.
Lessons From Meghan Markle
The Grass Isn’t Always Greener
While many might wonder why anyone would choose to leave the Royal Family, we should remember that the internet and social media have us all fooled and things are never as glamorous as they seem. We see Harry and Meghan traveling around in chauffeured Rolls-Royces, dressed impeccably, and greeting dignitaries, and we assume these things make them happy. But sometimes the people who seem to have it all, are struggling behind closed doors. We should remember not to compare our lives to anyone else’s; we never know what their reality is really like.
Forget the Word “Should”
Meghan was living the life that she was supposed to be living, doing all the things a duchess should be doing. However, if you feel that there is more for you in this world, then take a cue from her. Stop living for what you “should” be doing and start making changes to do what makes sense to you. Whether it is finding a better job or pursuing a more fulfilling life, throw “should” out the window and anything else holding you back.
Don’t Just Complain; Do Something About It
The pressure of living in the public eye became too much for Meghan to handle, but instead of spending all of her time complaining or being bitter, she decided to do something about it. Happiness is a choice, but sometimes circumstances get in the way. One of the lessons from Meghan Markle teaches is, to reach your destination, move obstacles out of your path. The same can be applied to finances. If you don’t have enough money or want to make more, do something about it. Find new ways to save and increase your earning potential by also cutting back on your expenses.
Only You Know What’s Right for You
I have immense respect for Meghan Markle! She had the self-awareness to know that the life she chose was not right for her and that changes needed to happen. She didn’t listen to anyone else tell her to suck it up or deal with it. She did what she needed to do for herself and her family to be happy. Think about that as you make plans for your life and your financial future. Listen to the voice inside and act accordingly.
Besides her grace, fashion sense, and warm heart, there are many lessons from Meghan Markle we can learn. If you are struggling financially or can’t find your happy place, you don’t need to move to Canada, but you do need to spend some time soul searching and make the adjustments necessary to be truly content.
Stay fabulous,