Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step away from their senior royal roles in 2020 stunned the monarchy.

Choosing independence over duty, the Sussexes signaled that all was not well behind palace walls. According to royal author Valentine Low, the move left the royal family blindsided.

Secretive Trip to Canada

Low revealed in his book Courtiers that during the couple’s six-week stay in Canada in late 2019, Harry and Meghan went to great lengths to hide their location. “When the trip was announced, it was supposed to be ‘family time’ according to the Palace, and definitely should not be seen as a holiday,” he wrote.

Meghan was so worried about leaks that even their nanny, Lorren, was kept in the dark. A source told Low she only discovered the destination once the private jet was already in the air.

Growing Suspicion Among Staff

Once the Sussexes left, palace aides began to question their long-term plans. Low explained: “It had already occurred to them that the Sussexes might go and live in America. The fact that they had taken all their personal belongings with them to Canada, and their two dogs, seemed quite a big hint.”