The Sussex Royal Instagram Proves Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Taking a Much-Needed Break

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle haven’t had an easy year. The couple has been battling the media ever since they wed back in 2018, but things haven’t become any better for them since welcoming their first child, Archie, in May. This past fall, the two announced that they would be spending the holidays with Meghan’s family, leading everyone to assume they would be taking a lengthy break to recharge themselves after everything they’ve gone through. And their Instagram account has made it clear that the two are not performing any royal duties at the moment.

Meghan and Harry have been through some drama lately

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been at the center of a media storm for most of their short marriage. As soon as Meghan came into the picture, the British tabloids starting digging into her life and family relationships. Since then, rumors about the duchess have swirled, from a bad attitude to a social climber to a bad relationship with Kate Middleton. None of the rumors have been proven, but the press has had a field day doing their best to put her down. Harry and Meghan eventually announced a lawsuit this past fall; they filed a lawsuit against three major British tabloids over their behavior and treatment of the duchess.

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‪This evening The Duke and Duchess of Sussex accompanied Her Majesty The Queen and members of @TheRoyalFamily to the annual @RoyalBritishLegion Festival of Remembrance. This special event, which has taken place every year since 1923 at the @RoyalAlbertHall, commemorates all those who have lost their lives in conflicts.‬ • ‪This year’s Festival marked the 75th anniversary of a number of crucial battles of 1944, with a particular emphasis on the collaboration and friendship of the British, Commonwealth and Allied armies who fought them. A unique tribute was given to acknowledge those involved both past and present, culminating in a special parade of some of the last surviving veterans who fought and served in 1944.‬ • ‪Their Royal Highnesses, who last year attended their first Festival of Remembrance together, were honoured to once again pay tribute to all casualties of war and remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.‬ ‪#FestivalOfRemembrance ‪#WeWillRememberThem‬ Photo © PA / Royal British Legion

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Nov 9, 2019 at 2:26pm PST

The couple announced they’d be spending the holidays with Meghan’s mother

Meghan and Harry have worked diligently to partner with many charities and organizations since they became the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. But after a while, everything seemed to be a bit much for them. They announced that they’d be getting away and spending some time with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, for the holidays. The royal family announced that Meghan and Harry would not be present for Christmas dinner with the queen, though they didn’t say where the duke and duchess would be going. It’s been assumed they are in California, but they are definitely not at Doria’s home.

Their social media hasn’t recognized any recent royal engagements

The couple’s Instagram account makes it clear that Meghan and Harry are taking some time off. Though the account has still been active, it hasn’t posted any recent royal engagements from the two. Instead, the account has recognized charitable organizations that Meghan and Harry support; it’s also looked back on previous engagements the two have attended and highlighted organizations’ progress since their visit. It hasn’t given any current information on their whereabouts or when the two will return to their royal duties.

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Spotlight on: The Hubb Community Kitchen It was just one year ago that The Duchess of Sussex made a special visit to the women of The Hubb Community Kitchen to help prepare meals for those in need. The connection between The Duchess and these women began a year prior, as she supported them in the creation of “Together”, a charity cookbook which celebrates the power of cooking to bring communities together. The cookbook showcases recipes from women whose community was affected by the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London. Their incredible stories and personal recipes placed “Together” on The New York Times Bestseller List and The Sunday Times Booklist. Today, the women at the Hubb Community Kitchen continue to have a positive impact in their community, across the UK, and around the world. Whether it’s providing a safe space for women and children to come for a hot meal, supporting local schools, serving free lunches to senior citizens, partnering with the Red Cross to provide lunches for refugees, or feeding the homeless – the Hubb helps and heals through their support and sustenance. Thank you, ladies, for the leadership and inspiration that your cooking and love of community brings to all those around you. We remain so very proud of the good work that you continue to do, and cannot wait to see what 2020 brings! Photo © PA / Hubb Kitchen / Jenny Zarin

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Dec 5, 2019 at 3:13am PST

The two deserve a break  

It comes as no surprise that Meghan and Harry have chosen to spend some time away from their family and responsibilities. They have arguably become the world’s most famous couple over the last year and a half, and it’s certainly led to a stressful relationship between them and the media. Plus, Harry recently admitted that there are also tensions between him and his brother. Perhaps the couple’s much-needed time away will help them reset for the new year and be ready to step back into their role in January.