Prince Harry and Meghan Markle surprised royal fans with the announcement that they would step down as working royals five years ago tomorrow – January 8, 2020.

Taking to their then-joint Instagram account, the couple said: “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.

“We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.”

Prior to moving to America with their young son, the couple stepped out for their final royal engagement on March 9, 2020.

The couple have since welcomed another member to their young family – a daughter named Lilibet – and now reside in California.

Shortly after stepping back – and moving to America – Meghan and Harry signed a five-year deal with Netflix. The couple have since used their newfound freedom away from royal restraints to verbally attack members of the Royal Family – all of which first began during their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021.

A heavily-pregnant Meghan, who welcomed their daughter three months later, alleged that an unnamed member of the family had raised questions over their then-unborn son’s skin colour, as well as claiming that they lacked support when she was voiced her mental health struggles.

The couple have become two of the most unpopular royals, with only the disgraced Prince Andrew ranking lower than them on many popularity polls.