“Despite clear denials, a false story ran in a UK newspaper today speculating about the relationship between The Duke of Sussex and The Duke of Cambridge. For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and harmful.”

Harry has since said he had no knowledge of it before its release.

Why the Sussexes Left Royal Life

When the couple confirmed they would not return as working royals, the Palace issued another statement:

“Following conversations with The Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service. The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family. While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.”

The Sussexes have since settled in Montecito, Santa Barbara, California, where they are raising Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four.

While many point to the intense scrutiny Meghan faced after her royal wedding, royal author Valentine Low suggested that the couple also wanted financial independence — something they could only achieve in the U.S. “Some suspected that in the end she wanted to make money,” he wrote. “And the only way she was going to do that was by leaving her royal life behind and going back to America.”