‘Guilty’ Prince Harry Knows There’s a ‘Big Part’ of Meghan Markle That Wants Her ‘Old Life Back’

Prince Harry reportedly feels 'guilty' about how much of Meghan Markle's 'old life' she sacrificed to be with him.

Meghan Markle is nostalgic for her pre-royal life. There’s reportedly a ‘big part’ of the Duchess of Sussex, 42, who wants to return to her “carefree” days as an actor on a popular TV show. Meanwhile, Prince Harry is very aware of what his wife’s given up for their life together.

Meghan enjoyed her ‘carefree’ life as an actor

A source told OK! that Meghan relished being a celebrity without constant criticism in the media during her days on Suits.

“She loved being in Suits and all the opportunities it gave her,” they said. “She’d get invited to all the exclusive events and get to hang out with Hollywood A-listers. But there was so much less scrutiny and attention, and there was no pressure on her.”

Meghan’s said to reflect on her past and how much less complicated it was before she married the Duke of Sussex and officially became a British royal in May 2018. “Meghan has made no secret of how much she misses her carefree life when she was an actress,” the source said.

Meghan lived and worked in Toronto, Canada, when she met Harry in the summer of 2016. At the time, she’d already become a star playing Rachel Zane on Suits. She also found success as a blogger, writing about fashion, travel, and food on The Tig.

Now, she and Harry live in Montecito, California, with their two children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, after leaving royal life in 2020.

Harry feels ‘guilty’ because Meghan ‘sacrificed’ her ‘old life’ to marry him

“Harry often feels guilty for Meghan having to give up on her dream life,” the insider continued. “And he knows how much she sacrificed to marry him and have a family with him, so he will support her no matter what.”

Although she misses her pre-royal life, Meghan loves the family she and Harry have built together. “While she’d never change what she has with Harry and the kids, there is a big part of her that she wishes she could just get her old life back.”

Meanwhile, Meghan has “quite a few work commitments coming up.” Her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, upcoming Netflix show, and Lemonada Media podcast are just a few. “This is just the beginning of Meghan’s big comeback,” the insider added, saying “She’ll be doing things on her terms.”

Meghan has no desire to return to the acting part of her ‘old life’

Acting itself isn’t necessarily an element of Meghan’s “old life” that she wants to revisit. She’s said numerous times over the years that it’s not something she’s looking to do again.

“I don’t see it as giving anything up. I just see it as a change,” she said in her and Harry’s 2017 engagement interview, calling it a “new chapter.” The now-42-year-old also shared she’d had a “ticked this box” feeling when Suits reached 100 episodes.

Then, in a 2022 interview, Meghan told Variety that she’s “done” with acting. “No. I’m done,” she said. “I guess never say never, but my intention is to absolutely not.”