The Truth Behind Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Leaving the UK Amid Her Father’s Scandal

While many believed the royal couple were dodging the headlines, those who follow the Sussexes closely have offered a different explanation. According to them, the timing of the family's trip may have been purely coincidental.

Shortly after news broke that Meghan Markle's father was under investigation for possession of child sex abuse images, reports emerged that the Duchess of Sussex, her husband Prince Harry, and their two children had jetted out of the UK.

Many speculated that the family had left to escape the noise surrounding the bombshell revelations, which have dominated the headlines over the past week. One friend told Hello! of Meghan, "She's just really, really upset."

"She keeps on looking at Lili and she's in tears, and thinking about all the children, the alleged victims. She has young children herself. It's just devastating," the friend said.

The insider continued, "She decided a while ago, before this happened, that she was going to take herself away from the media and not look at anything, for her own mental health."

"But obviously, she's been getting sent a lot of messages from friends in the UK and people all over saying how sorry they are, but it's just been an emotional roller coaster for her," they added. "She's in bits."

Page Six reported that the Sussexes had indeed traveled overseas for a break, but royal commentators insisted the trip had nothing to do with the fallout from the child pornography investigation involving Meghan's estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr.

Instead, the couple were simply taking advantage of the UK's school half-term break. "I wouldn't describe Meghan as having fled the UK following the allegations against her father," royal journalist Andrea Caamano said.

"We know the news broke while she was already out of the country with her family for the October half-term holidays," she explained. "Some schools have a two-week break in the UK, so the timing appears to be coincidental rather than a deliberate decision to escape the headlines."

Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield echoed this, noting that schools across Britain are currently on their October half-term break.

"Harry and Meghan may simply be taking advantage of the school holiday to spend time with their children while allowing some of the controversy to settle," Schofield said.

Both commentators believe the family getaway won't last much longer. "I wouldn't be surprised if their retreat from the spotlight lasts about as long as the children's half-term holiday," Schofield noted.

Caamano expects the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to return to the UK by the end of this week, just in time for the children to head back to school.

"I don't anticipate this becoming a prolonged retreat from public life," Caamano said.

She continued, "Meghan has been incredibly busy with her latest As Ever launches, particularly the new holiday collection, and I fully expect her to continue promoting her business. As we say here in Britain, it's very much a case of 'keep calm and carry on.'"

The trip, it seems, is less an escape and more a well-timed break from the negative headlines.

"I don't believe the Sussexes have any intention of abandoning their ambitions in Britain," Schofield said. "This may be less of a strategic retreat and more of a convenient opportunity to let the headlines cool down."

Caamano added that being away during this "distressing" time has "no doubt been a small blessing in disguise."

"A friend told us this week that Meghan is incredibly upset…But she is being supported by those closest to her," the journalist shared. "Many friends, both in the UK and abroad, have been reaching out to offer their support."

Caamano also noted that the couple has been shielding themselves from the noise by steering clear of social media.