Behind closed doors, as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle contemplated leaving royal life, Buckingham Palace scrambled to find a solution. A new account reveals a series of ambitious, even surprising, proposals designed to keep the couple firmly within “the Firm.” The stakes were incredibly high, with round-the-clock negotiations unfolding as palace officials desperately sought a viable path forward.
One particularly intriguing idea involved offering Harry the position of Governor General of Canada. The thinking was that the role would provide a much-needed escape from the intense scrutiny of the British press and the complexities of royal court life. It also offered a way to maintain a prominent public position while fostering goodwill for the monarchy.
The timing was also considered crucial. The then-current Governor General, Julie Payette, faced mounting allegations of creating a “toxic work environment,” ultimately leading to her resignation in January 2021. Replacing her with Prince Harry seemed, to some, a potentially elegant solution to multiple problems.
However, a fundamental obstacle quickly emerged. A senior courtier pointed out a critical detail: Harry lacked Canadian citizenship, a non-negotiable requirement for the role of viceroy. This seemingly simple fact effectively derailed one of the palace’s most promising plans.
Other proposals also faltered. Ideas involving work in Africa were hampered by security concerns, and several suggestions were dismissed simply because similar roles were already filled. The source described the situation as “almost an impossible task,” highlighting the immense pressure to find a solution that satisfied all parties.
Harry and Meghan’s connection to Canada was already well-established. Meghan had previously lived and worked in Toronto while filming the television series *Suits*, and the couple had publicly revealed their relationship during the Invictus Games held in the same city in 2017. They even considered establishing a home in Canada after stepping back from their senior royal duties.
Despite the palace’s extensive efforts, the account suggests Harry and Meghan offered little in the way of their own suggestions for reconciliation. Staffers reportedly “bent over backwards” to accommodate the couple, but their attempts ultimately proved unsuccessful.
In January 2020, the couple officially stepped away from their roles as senior royals, an event quickly dubbed “Megxit” by the British press. This decision marked a definitive break, with Harry and Meghan becoming financially independent and choosing to primarily reside in North America, forever altering the landscape of the British monarchy.
Ultimately, Mary Simon was appointed as the next Governor General of Canada in July 2021, filling the position that had briefly been considered for Prince Harry. The story serves as a fascinating glimpse into the intense negotiations and complex considerations that unfolded during a pivotal moment in royal history.
