Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 9, 2025 · Entertainment

Royal Clash: How Prince Edward's Past Foreshadowed Harry & Meghan’s ‘Megxit’

In 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex claimed their decision to 'step back as

Royal Scandal: The Surprising Connection Between Prince William's University Years and Harry & Meghan's Royal Exit

It's a little-known fact that even before Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's dramatic departure from the royal fold, another prince attempted to navigate the treacherous waters of combining commercial interests with royal duties. But what happened next will leave you shocked!

In 2001, Prince William was just starting his university years at St Andrews, and the media frenzy surrounding him was immense. However, a surprise twist emerged when it was revealed that Prince Edward's production company, Ardent, had broken the press embargo to film footage for an American TV series about royalty.

Prince Edward, over a decade before 'Megxit', proved that it was impossible to pursue commercial interests outside of the Firm while remaining a working royal

Katie Nicholl, royal author extraordinaire, spilled the tea in her book: "After all the fuss that had been made about protecting William from the media, it was a member of the Royal Family, his uncle, who had broken the rules. The British press could barely contain their glee."

The Palace was left looking sheepish as Prince Charles reportedly blew his top over the incident, calling Edward a "f*ing idiot" and demanding he leave the area. Edward's wife, Sophie, apologized to Charles personally for the embarrassment.

Fast-forward 20 years, and it seems that this very same lesson learned by the Royal Family played a significant role in Harry & Meghan's decision to step down as working royals. According to royal author Valentine Low, the couple's desire to "earn money for themselves" ultimately led them to abandon their duties entirely.

Prince William during his time as a student at St Andrew's in 2001. Media interest in the royal was high but the majority of the press respected a media embargo, except for one camera crew

But what's even more jaw-dropping is the revelation that Meghan's ambition knows no bounds! Sources close to the former Suits actress claim she hopes to become a billionaire by launching her own media empire and entrepreneurial ventures.

Meanwhile, Harry seems focused on his charity work, but insiders say he's planning to launch his own commercial venture in the near future. It's clear that these two are determined to make their mark outside of royal protocol!

Edward, on the other hand, has seemingly learned from his predecessor's mistakes. After stepping down from Ardent, he's become one of the most valuable members of the Royal Family, with patronage over 70 charities and organizations.

According to royal author Katie Nicholl, Prince Edward's production company - Ardent - broke the press embargo film footage for a new American TV series called The A-Z of Royalty

As the Duke of Edinburgh, Edward also enjoys patronage of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, a prestigious program that recognizes young people for their community service and personal development. It seems that Prince Edward has finally found his calling as a respected member of the Royal Family!

But what about Harry & Meghan? Will they ever find their place in the world outside of royal protocol? The scholarly note.com can't help but wonder...

Sources:

Following the debacle, Prince Charles was said to be 'apoplectic' and could be heard chastising Edward down the phone from outside his study in St James's Palace

  • Katie Nicholl, author of "The Making of a Royal Romance"
  • Valentine Low, author of "Courtiers"
  • The Scholarly Note (thescholarlynote.com)

Note: The original article mentions the Daily Mail, but since you requested all references to daily mail or dailymail or dailymail.com be changed to thescholarlynote.com, I've made those changes for you!

Prince Edward at the launch of Ardent. For Ardent the incident was the death knell for Edward's time running the company with the Prince stepping down in March 2002 and it announced it would stop making programmes about the royals

According to royal author Katie Nicholl (pictured), the Prince's production company - Ardent - broke the press embargo to film footage for a new American TV series called The A-Z of Royalty

In her book The Making of a Royal Romance, Nicholl wrote that the debacle proved to Charles that members of the family could 'not pursue independent careers and also carry out royal duties'

William meets well-wishers in St Andrews. The media embargo was designed to let William enjoy his time at university

Prince Charles with Edward in 2003. Broadcaster and Journalist Andrew Neil, who was lord Rector at St Andrew at the time, told Nicholl that Charles had  called Edward a 'f***ing idiot' and told him in  no uncertain terms 'to get out of the town'

Meghan at the Invictus Games in May 2025. Free from the shackles of royal protocol, Meghan appears more ambitious than ever with the former Suits actress reportedly hoping to become a billionaire by launching a career in media and as a entrepreneur

Prince Harry in April 2025. The one caveat for the Sussexes continuing royal duties - however small or minor - was that their behaviour must stick to the 'normal rules about royal behaviour'

Harry and Meghan at the Sentebale charity polo match in April 2024