Prince Edward decided, after doing the obligatory stints in college and military, that he‘d rather not be a working royal, but have himself a career in the theatre – which he did. He then moved on to TV production. Within that decade of holding a normalish career he found himself a „commoner“ wife, Sophie, who worked in PR. Only after his production firm crash landed, did they both join the ranks of working royals and have since become a great asset to the Queen.
They weren’t the only ones who wouldn’t or couldn’t be part of the „firm“. Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, Peter Philips and Zara Tindall… there are many royal family members who lead normal lives outside of showing up on the balcony for celebrations, and who have forged their own paths and careers in the world. It’s no biggie. The Sussexes have chosen to make their exit a big deal. I‘m not seeing their absence (not abdication) leave any lasting effects on the monarchy. The effect of their behaviour on the family is another question.