Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are stepping back as “senior members” of the royal family. Following their six-week break in Canada over the holidays, the royal couple made the announcement on their Sussex Royal website and official Instagram account on Wednesday.
“It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.”
“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family, and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen,” the statement read. “It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.”
Meghan and Harry also added that the “geographic balance” between the UK and North America will enable them to raise their 8-month-old son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, and provide their family “with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.”
“We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge, and all relevant parties,” the statement continued. “Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.”
Shortly after Meghan and Harry’s announcement, Buckingham Palace released a statement of its own, making it sound like the couple acted alone and the palace was left in the dark about their decision. “Discussions with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage,” the statement read. “We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through.”
NEW: Statement from Buckingham Palace.
(Basically, they haven’t worked any of this stuff out yet.) pic.twitter.com/IGhGImAlYJ— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) January 8, 2020
Image Source: PA / Dominic Lipinski