Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped down as working royals in 2020, but according to one expert the couple have no regrets about that decision.

Meghan Markle feels as though she has “had her revenge” on the Royal Family as she and Prince Harry have emerged from their Nigeria trip as “important world figures”.

Ever since they quit the Firm four years ago the couple have faced criticism for their attacks against the royals in their Oprah Winfrey interview, Netflix documentary and Harry’s memoir Spare.

However in 2024 they have made clear their intentions to branch out into new projects, with Meghan launching her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard and more international tours reportedly planned.

Royal expert and author Tom Quinn told The Mirror that he does not believe the Duchess of Sussex has any regrets about leaving royal life behind.

He explained: “Harry’s mental health has suffered as a result of the break with his family, but Meghan never doubts her decision to stop being a full-time working royal.”

Meghan Markle has never doubted leaving the Royal Family (Image: Getty)

The author continued: “She and Harry are both products of dysfunctional families, but being much tougher than Harry Meghan relishes the battle and feels that, having been badly treated when she was in England, she has had her revenge.

“The Nigeria trip made her feel as she has always wanted to feel – acknowledged as a member of the Royal Family and feted as an important world figure.”

These comments come as the Sussexes completed a three-day tour in Nigeria earlier this month, with engagements and activities very similar to those found on an official royal tour.

Harry and Meghan were welcomed like royals in Nigeria (Image: Getty)The Duke and Duchess have since faced backlash for attempting to copy the royal model for tours while sending out mixed messages about what they are trying to achieve outside the Firm.

The trip is believed to have greatly angered King Charles and Prince William, with Mr Quinn saying: “William is absolutely furious and determined to find a way to stop this happening in future. Charles is said to be angrier than anyone has ever seen him.

“What’s really upset the applecart is the fact that the Nigerians treated Meghan and Harry as if they too thought this was an official tour – all the signs were there as the couple were greeted with dances, receptions, visits to schools and charities.”

The Sussexes may have more trips planned for the future (Image: Getty)

Mr Quinn concluded: “Everything you might expect from an official royal visit was there – the receptions, the visits to schools and charities, to wounded soldiers and the disabled.

“Meghan and Harry’s speeches and their whole attitude has been designed to give the impression that they are still fully paid-up royals and William and his father King Charles don’t like it one bit.”

Shortly before flying to Nigeria Prince Harry was in the UK to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, but he did not see either his father or his brother while in London.