The Duke and Duchess of Sussex turned their backs on the UK in search of financial independence and freedom on the other side of the Atlantic.
The angry manner of their departure hardly cemented familial relations. But it was the series of hugely damaging allegations about the Royal family that came next, through television interviews, documentaries and books, that sent shockwaves through the monarchy that reverberate to this day.
Now, Harry and Meghan are returning and want to make a fresh start. To do so will involve winning back support and trust both from within the royal fold and the wider public.
The couple, sources insist, will not expose private details about other members of the Royal family.
As the Duke and Duchess prepare to relocate to the UK with their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, part of their strategy firmly rules out television interviews in which they might be encouraged to overshare.
The tactic should prevent the Duke from berating the “establishment”, or suggesting that members of the Royal family are racist or the Queen is a “villain” whose quest for good publicity left bodies in the street.
There will be nothing said in public about the Royal family, it is claimed.
That will prompt much eye-rolling at Buckingham Palace. Trust has broken down almost beyond repair. It is understandable why many would not dare risk saying anything to Harry or Meghan that could be repeated in months or years down the line. Trust must be earned.