Meghan and Harry pictured in Los Angeles earlier this month (Image: GETTY)

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are widely criticised for many, if not all, aspects of their post-royal life. One area that undoubtedly exceeds most is their humanitarian work – which has often been torn down for its striking resemblance to duties carried out by members of the Royal Family.

Looking back to January 2020, the couple famously shared that their desire to become financially independent and live a life away from the spotlight was the main reason to break away from the constraints of royal life. However, in my opinion, recent moves have now highlighted that a stronger and heartbreaking reason could have been at the forefront of their shock decision.

Meghan and Harry travelled to Jordan for two days this week (Image: PA)

The couple have made two appearances this week that mirror the structure of official royal tours and engagements, suggesting that their long-standing tensions with the Royal Family may have been the main driving force behind their decision to step down as working royals.

The couple stepped out in Jordan for a two-day visit earlier this week, with their appearance following an invitation from Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization.

Meghan and Harry also made an on-screen appearance at the NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles on Thursday evening.

It is no secret that Meghan and Harry had a strained relationship with the Prince and Princess of Wales in the lead-up to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding in 2018.

Meghan and Harry made an appearance at the NAACP Image Awards on Thursday (Image: GETTY)

William also reportedly expressed concern over how quick Harry’s relationship with Meghan was progressing in the early days, with the couple tying the knot less than two years after their first date.

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The couple’s decision to still embark on visits and engagements that resemble official royal duties clearly shows that the work and structure of royal life was not a problem for them at all – and that the issues situated closer to home with their family relationships may have been the problem.

Since stepping down as working royals, the couple have settled into life in California with their children, six-year-old Prince Archie, who was born in the UK, and four-year-old Princess Lilibet.