Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made a major announcement on Wednesday, January 7. The couple shared that they’ll be giving up their roles as “senior” members of the Royal Family and will work to become financially independent. The Palace responded with their own statement that seemed to criticize the couple’s plans.
Meghan, 38, and Harry, 35, wrote in a joint statement, “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 Duke and Duchess of Sussex continued, “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.”
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They wrote, “This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.” The couple, who married in May 2018,
welcomed son Archie a year later.
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The pair concluded, “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. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.”
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They brought baby Archie across the pond and celebrated the holidays with the former actress’ mom, Doria Ragland. They’ve also been reportedly looking at Canadian real estate.
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During a royal tour last fall, Harry and Meghan filmed a documentary for the BBC in which they opened up about the pressures of royal life.
Meghan burst into tears when discussing her treatment by the British tabloids, which she said she hadn’t expected before marrying Harry.
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The duke also addressed rumors of a feud between him and his brother,
Prince William. “Inevitably stuff happens. But we’re brothers, we’ll always be brothers,” he said. Harry added, “We’re certainly on different paths at the moment.” William, 37, is second in line for the throne. Harry is sixth, after his niece and nephews.
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The Palace responded to Meghan and Harry's announcement with a short statement that read, "Discussions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage. We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through."
They wrote, “This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.” The couple, who married in May 2018,
welcomed son Archie a year later.
Photo credit: INSTARImages
The pair concluded, “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. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.”
Photo credit: INSTARImages
Photo credit: INSTARImages
They brought baby Archie across the pond and celebrated the holidays with the former actress’ mom, Doria Ragland. They’ve also been reportedly looking at Canadian real estate.
Photo credit: INSTARImages
During a royal tour last fall, Harry and Meghan filmed a documentary for the BBC in which they opened up about the pressures of royal life.
Meghan burst into tears when discussing her treatment by the British tabloids, which she said she hadn’t expected before marrying Harry.
Photo credit: INSTARImages
The duke also addressed rumors of a feud between him and his brother,
Prince William. “Inevitably stuff happens. But we’re brothers, we’ll always be brothers,” he said. Harry added, “We’re certainly on different paths at the moment.” William, 37, is second in line for the throne. Harry is sixth, after his niece and nephews.
Photo credit: INSTARImages
The Palace responded to Meghan and Harry's announcement with a short statement that read, "Discussions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage. We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through."
Photo credit: INSTARImages
