Sweden's Princess Madeline and her husband, Christopher O'Neil, left the Swedish monarchy in 2018 for a life of solitude in Florida. Several experts now say the Swedish "spare's" example is one Prince Harry and Meghan Markle should aspire to.
"Princess Madeleine and Chris don’t seek out fame," former British public affairs official Shannon Felton Spence told an outlet.
"They want to live a normal life," she added. "Several years ago, her father, the king, took away the titles and HRH of the grandchildren not in the direct line of succession — including Madeleine’s children. There were no complaints from the Swedish court. It was seen as a gift to the grandchildren."
Madeleine is set to return to Sweden with her family after residing in Florida since 2018. In March 2023, the Swedish Royal House disclosed their plans to move back, with the palace stating that the family intended to "relocate to Sweden indefinitely." The princess is the youngest child of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia.
As King Charles III's youngest child, Prince Harry's life has played out much differently in the world's media when compared to Princess Madeleine.
"Why Florida? There was a business connection for Chris," Felton Spence continued. "They have also lived in London and New York. They traveled back to Sweden very regularly to take part in official family events, but otherwise were living regular lives abroad."
Royal expert Hilary Fordwich also added that unlike Meghan, Princess Madeliene's spouse decided against a title and working royal position from the outset. "Given Swedish royals aren’t allowed to hold jobs, after marrying Princess Madeleine, Christopher O’Neill, a highly educated and extremely accomplished financier, declined both Swedish citizenship, as well as an official title, to continue work as a private citizen in finance."
She then allegedly took a swipe at Harry and Meghan by observing: "He’s an example of one marrying into royalty but sticking to his values… rather than to capitalize on anything royal."
This is not to take away from the numerous scandals that have rocked the Swedish royal family in recent years.
"Princess Madeleine was probably wise to hightail it out of Sweden and raise her family abroad [in the first place]," royal scribe Christopher Andersen shared. "In 2010, her father was rocked by scandal – accused of taking part in sex parties and frequenting strip clubs, some in the U.S., for years during the early part of his reign. This was all, as one might imagine, much to the mortification of his much-admired wife, Queen Silvia."
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not returned to Britain as a couple since September 2022.
Fox News reported on the expert opinions.