Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 20, 2025 · Entertainment

The Royal Escape: Meghan and Harry's Secret Canadian Trip Revealed

In November 2019, both the Sussexes and the Palace had been tight-lipped about where Meghan and Harry had travelled to during their six-week break from royal duties

The Royal Rift: Uncovering the Shocking Truth Behind Megxit

In a bombshell revelation, insiders are spilling the tea on the private lives of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. It's been two years since the royal couple made headlines with their decision to "step back" from their senior roles in the British monarchy, but the drama surrounding their exit has only intensified.

A new book by journalist Valentine Low reveals that the couple's six-week break from royal duties in November 2019 was shrouded in secrecy. The Sussexes had planned to spend time with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, but their true destination remained a mystery until they posted a heartfelt message on Instagram wishing their followers a "Happy Thanksgiving."

The post on the Sussexroyal Instagram account read: 'Wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours'

However, it was the subtle hint of a red maple leaf emoji in the caption that gave away their secret: Canada. Yes, you read that right! The Duke and Duchess had flown to the Great White North without disclosing their plans to anyone, not even their loyal nanny, Lorren.

According to Low's book, Courtiers, Meghan was so paranoid about leaking news of their destination that she didn't inform Lorren until they were already airborne. "What sort of weather should I pack for?" Lorren innocently asked, only to be met with a cryptic response from the Duchess.

As it turned out, the couple's Canadian getaway was just the beginning of a long and winding road that would lead to their eventual departure from the royal family. The trip sparked rumors of a potential rift within the family, which were later confirmed by Harry's documentary about their South African tour.

The post was captioned with 'Happy Thanksgiving!' and a red maple leaf, which also features on the Canadian flag

But what really went down during those six weeks in Canada? Sources close to the couple claim they had already begun making plans to leave the UK for good. "They took all their personal belongings and their two dogs with them," an insider revealed. "It was clear that they were planning a permanent move."

Meanwhile, back at Buckingham Palace, staff were growing increasingly suspicious about the Sussexes' intentions. They reportedly suspected that the couple might be making a break for America, but nothing was confirmed until Meghan confided in a member of her personal staff towards the end of 2019.

In January 2020, Harry and Meghan made their return to the UK, only to drop another bombshell: they would be "stepping back" as senior working royals. But just what did this mean? Would they continue to carry out royal duties part-time or make a clean break?

Journalist Valentine Low wrote in his book, Courtiers: 'When Harry and Meghan went to Canada for their six-week break in November 2019, their escape was planned with the greatest secrecy'

As it turned out, the couple had already been in talks with the Palace about their future roles. According to Low's book, Harry sent an email to his father, Prince Charles, expressing their dissatisfaction with the current setup and hinting that they might opt for a more flexible arrangement.

But when Harry and Meghan returned to London on January 6, they were met with a stern response from the Palace: any changes would require a proper family conversation. And so, the infamous "Sandringham Summit" was born.

The Secret Summit

On their return to London, the couple visited Canada House to thank officials for their country’s hospitality. The royal couple met with Janice Charette, high commissioner in Canada to the UK, and then visited an exhibition by an indigenous Canadian artist, Skawennati

On January 13, 2020, the Sussexes, along with their closest aides, gathered at Sandringham Estate to discuss their future roles within the royal family. But what really went down during that fateful meeting? Insiders claim it was a tense and confrontational affair, with Harry accusing his brother William of being "terrified" of him.

In his Netflix docuseries, Harry revealed that William had allegedly screamed and shouted at him during the summit, while Charles was accused of telling untruths to his face. The Queen, meanwhile, sat quietly, taking it all in like a referee in a high-stakes tennis match.

But here's the twist: according to Harry's memoir Spare, the outcome of the summit had already been "fixed" by the Palace. He claimed that the Queen's aides had drafted a statement announcing their departure from royal duties before any discussion took place.

In his book Spare the Duke claimed that the rest of the royals pressured him and his wife to stay, but barring that, the only other solution they would accept was option five: departure

When Harry confronted Charles' private secretary about the alleged printer malfunction, he was met with a nervous smile and a hasty brush-off. It was clear that something was amiss, but what?

The Aftermath

In the months following the summit, rumors of peace talks between Charles and Harry have been circulating. And in May, Harry gave a tell-all interview to BBC's Newsnight program, hinting at his desire for reconciliation with his family.

But has anything changed? Just last month, Harry and his father met for 54 minutes – and one cup of tea. Many questioned the monarch's decision to meet with his estranged son, given the scathing remarks made in Spare.

However, insiders claim that this meeting could be the first tentative step towards reconciliation between father and son. As one source revealed: "It's a start. They're trying to heal old wounds."

But for Meghan Markle, there may still be unfinished business to attend to. In her Netflix show, she expressed outrage at being excluded from the Sandringham Summit, feeling that she was not given a seat at the table when her future and that of her family were being decided.

As we look back on the Megxit saga, one thing is clear: the royal family will never be the same again. Will Harry and Meghan's desire for reconciliation with their loved ones ultimately prevail? Only time will tell.