Criticism of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle seems to grow louder with each passing year, but much of it misses an essential truth: they don’t owe anyone their success, their time, or their energy. With two young children and financial independence, the Sussexes have already achieved what truly matters, and the relentless fixation on their every move says more about their detractors than it does about them.

Financial Independence

One of the most frequent accusations against Harry and Meghan is that their ventures need to succeed to validate their choices. The truth is, they have enough wealth to live comfortably without seeking external approval. Between Harry’s inheritance and the earnings from their projects, the couple is financially secure, free to prioritize their family and personal happiness over meeting public expectations.

Unlike members of the working royal family, Harry and Meghan are not funded by taxpayers. Their departure from royal life was an intentional step toward independence. They’ve achieved that, and whether or not their business ventures thrive is secondary—they’re living on their own terms.

Success Is Not a Requirement

The narrative that Harry and Meghan need to prove themselves in the public eye is deeply flawed. They have no obligation to “succeed” in any particular way. Their decision to step back from royal duties wasn’t a career move—it was a choice to prioritize their well-being and family life.

It’s worth questioning why some expect Meghan, a mother of two, to constantly prove herself through professional accomplishments. Being a parent is itself a full-time commitment, and Meghan has the right to focus on her children without societal pressure to perform.

A Threat to the Royal Status Quo

The obsessive criticism of Harry and Meghan often stems from their unprecedented popularity, which has arguably unsettled the royal establishment. For a time, the Sussexes were the most talked-about members of the monarchy, and their decision to carve out a new path outside the institution was both bold and groundbreaking.

It’s telling that the royal family’s supporters seem so invested in disparaging the Sussexes. The continued focus on their choices, rather than those of working royals, suggests that their departure struck a nerve. Their independence has highlighted how rigid and restrictive royal life can be, challenging the very structure of the monarchy.

Meghan’s Right to Choose

As a mother of two young children, Meghan’s primary responsibility is to her family. Criticizing her for not taking on more professional ventures ignores the fact that raising a family is a deeply personal and valuable contribution. She doesn’t need to create a lifestyle brand or produce Netflix series to justify her place in the world. Her focus on her children is enough.

Harry and Meghan’s detractors often frame their actions as failures, but this view reflects unrealistic and unfair expectations. They’ve chosen a life that prioritizes their mental health, their family, and their independence—a decision that deserves respect.

The Obsession Reveals More About Us

Ultimately, the constant scrutiny of Harry and Meghan reveals less about them and more about their critics. Why does their independence provoke such strong reactions? Why are they held to a higher standard than other public figures?

The Sussexes’ story isn’t one of failure or decline—it’s one of autonomy. They’ve chosen a life that aligns with their values, and they have the freedom to pursue what matters most to them. Whether or not they “succeed” by public standards is irrelevant. Their happiness and fulfillment are their own to define.

In the end, Harry and Meghan don’t owe anyone their success or approval. They’ve built a life on their terms, and that is success enough.