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Meghan Markle wasn't fully prepared for royal life when she married into the family, a former royal butler has claimed.

The Suits star, 44, began her relationship with Prince Harry in 2016 and the couple wed just two years afterwards. Initially, relations between the Sussexes and the royal household appeared positive, but the dynamic gradually deteriorated.

By 2020, Harry and Meghan had stepped back from royal duties and relocated to America. Former royal butler Grant Harrold suggests one factor behind their departure was how "controlled" Meghan felt within the institution.

Harrold said, "I think everybody found Meghan a breath of fresh air at the beginning; that was certainly how everyone felt at the time.

"Everyone was excited about the prospect of new beginnings and someone new in the family, so everyone was genuinely happy for them."

Addressing what shifted, the former butler revealed, "The turning point could have been anything, but I believe it could have been because of the schedules. I remember hearing she wanted to invite friends for lunch one day, but she couldn't because the schedules are planned out six months in advance, and they are very strict; they can't be changed.

"I think she felt her life was very much controlled, but that is how it works in the royal household."

The Duchess of Sussex previously discussed the restrictions she experienced whilst part of the royal family during her 2021 sit-down with Oprah Winfrey.

Throughout the explosive interview, Meghan alleged the royal family confiscated her passport, depriving her of any ability to travel independently. She maintained she only regained possession of it following her departure from royal duties.

"You couldn't just go. You couldn't. I mean, you have to understand, as well, when I joined that family, that was the last time, until we came here, that I saw my passport, my driver's licence, my keys.

"All that gets turned over. I didn't see any of that anymore," Meghan told the host.

However, despite Meghan's assertions, reports indicated she and Harry embarked on 13 trips spanning the period from when their relationship became public knowledge through to the initial years of their marriage.

For instance, Meghan journeyed to visit friends in Canada during this period and was photographed at Lake Como alongside George Clooney.

Her closest friends also organised a baby shower for her in New York whilst she was expecting Prince Archie in 2019.