Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced on Jan. 8, 2020, that they would step down as senior working members of the British royal family in a move popularly dubbed “Megxit.” By spring of 2020, the transition was complete, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were no longer carrying out royal duties.

Prince Harry is King Charles III and the late Princess Diana’s youngest son. His older brother is Prince William. He now lives outside of the royal family, raising his two children in the United States. Although he and Meghan stepped down from their duties as senior royals, they have not shunned the spotlight, appearing at public charity events, and pursuing their own creative and philanthropic ventures, many under their own brand, Archewell.

In the beginning, Harry’s relationship with Meghan seemed like a modern-day fairy tale that captured the world’s attention. The couple first met in July 2016 when a mutual friend introduced them during Harry’s visit to Toronto, Canada, where Meghan was living at the time. They were set up on a blind date and immediately hit it off. In November 2016, news of their relationship broke, and the couple faced intense media scrutiny. Meghan faced particular attention due to her status as an American actress and her biracial background.

On Nov. 27, 2017, Prince Harry and Meghan announced their engagement. The news was celebrated around the world, as American Meghan would marry into the British royal family. The couple were married on May 19, 2018, at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.

However, their stint as working royals was marred by tensions between other members of the royal family and attacks by the press. Although they are no longer tied to the duties of the royal family, they continue to attract media attention.

Since the announcement of their relationship, Prince Harry and Meghan have been subjected to intense media scrutiny. Tabloids and paparazzi often invade their privacy and publish sensationalized stories.

Meghan, in particular, has faced racist and sexist commentary from certain sections of the press, highlighting the challenges she encountered as a biracial woman entering the British royal family. Despite all these difficulties, Harry and Meghan were expected, as members of the royal family, to adhere to certain traditions and protocols, including public engagements, official duties, and a strict code of conduct when in public. However, Meghan’s background as an American actress and her outspoken nature clashed with traditional royal norms, leading to criticism and clashes within the institution.

Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family did not end the Sussexes’ time in the spotlight.

In early July 2024, ESPN revealed that Prince Harry would receive its Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYs. The award is named after the former NFL player and US Army Ranger Pat Tillman. Pat was 27 when he was killed in action in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004. ESPN described Pat as “one of the most famous soldiers since Elvis Presley “and the “most famous American killed in combat.”

In a press release by ESPN, Harry was recognized for his positive impact on the veteran community through his Invictus Games Foundation which provided an “international platform to support wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women – both active-duty and veterans – who are navigating both physical and invisible injuries.”

However, the late athlete’s mother, Mary Tillman, expressed confusion about why the British royal was to receive the award, as she said:

“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award.”

On July 11, 2024, Harry and Meghan attended ESPN’s annual ESPY Awards, hosted by their good friend and tennis champion Serena Williams, who called them “actual royalty” in her opening speech. Harry was on hand to receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service, despite all the negative attention stirred up by the decision to bestow the award on him. In his speech after receiving the award on stage, Harry addressed Pat Tillman’s mother, alluding to his own experience. He said:

“The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.”

However, Harry wasn’t the only one who garnered attention for all the wrong reasons. Fans voiced concern for Meghan after she arrived looking more slender than usual in a backless, white halter dress with her hair tied back in a sleek bun.

“Megan is not looking healthy. Way too thin. Poor thing. Take care of yourself!” one user commented as another piped in, “Megan’s arms look sickly skinny.”

Some accused the duchess of using Ozempic — a diabetes medicine that has aroused controversy for its use as a weight-loss drug — to slim down her frame.

“The Ozempic skeletal look is strong,” one reader wrote, while another said, “Her arms are very thin! She should quit the Ozempic.”

“She has Ozempic face,” another user noted, as yet another echoed, “Wow Ozempic worked for Meghan.”

Others defended Meghan, as one user said:

“Here we go, Why are people ready to bash her. Megan is a thin woman who looks fantastic. Stop with the nonsense.”

Meghan is no stranger to being scrutinized for her looks. In a 2013 interview, she said she has always felt comfortable in her skin.

“I think being in shape just means feeling confident, being as healthy as you can, and I guess just owning whatever it is that you have,” she added.

What do you think of Harry and Meghan’s appearance at the ESPYs? Do you think Meghan looked too slender? Let us know, then pass this along to friends and family to get their opinions too!