Prince Harry, the younger son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana of Wales lawfully wedded former actress Meghan Markle in a royal ceremony on May 2018. The couple has since then held throne as ‘The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’ (England).
"There's power in love. Don't underestimate it."#RoyalWedding #HarryAndMeghan pic.twitter.com/OVj4hYNhmq
— BBC One (@BBCOne) May 19, 2018
The couple also welcomed the royal baby Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor last year.
However, Prince Harry, who is also the sixth in the line of succession to the British throne, and his wife Meghan have now decided to ‘step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family’, reports Metro. In a shocking revelation, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have decided to ‘work to become financially independent’ and balance their time between the United Kingdom and North America.
In an official statement, the couple said that their decision to part ways will provide their family ‘with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.’ However, they intend to ‘continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen’ and ‘continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.’
Here’s their full statement:
However, as reported by Metro, the Buckingham Palace said that the decision of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is a ‘complicated issue’. It also emerged that the Queen and Prince Charles were allegedly unaware of the contents of the couple’s statement. A palace spokeswoman said, “We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through.”
Statement from the Queen’s office at Buckingham Palace: “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.”
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) January 8, 2020
A BBC royal correspondent has also earlier reported “no other member of the Royal Family was consulted” prior to the release of Meghan and Harry’s statement.
BREAKING. BBC Understands that no other member of the Royal Family was consulted before Harry and Meghan issued their personal statement tonight, the Palace is understood to be ‘disappointed’.
— Jonny Dymond (@JonnyDymond) January 8, 2020
However, the couple’s decision to quit royal life has sent shock waves around the world. Since the couple announced their withdrawal, #Megxit started trending on Twitter with people reacting to the announcement.
https://twitter.com/KTHopkins/status/1214986285653352449
Meghan is single handledly breaking apart a family built on centuries of colonialism, imperialism racism and brutality. Thanks for doing God’s work. #MeghanMarkle #megxit pic.twitter.com/5o63xYb6b5
— simz (@churrotae) January 9, 2020
The Queen to Meghan Markle after she snatched Prince Harry #Megxit pic.twitter.com/fByM711LoG
— M I C H U (@MichuEmenalo) January 9, 2020
I mean if Meghan Markle and Prince Harry wanna come over here and rule America, I’m down with that. #Megxit pic.twitter.com/THCM4S6PEN
— BachShitCray (@Bach_ShitCray) January 9, 2020
I’m such a fucking nerd cause every time I think about #Megxit it goes the same way: Meghan is so badass! -> that letter she wrote when she was a kid about sexism in advertising! -> Diana would love her! -> oh shit she must have sent her to Harry! – and then I’m crying pic.twitter.com/2uYsbwWogF
— haley!® (@LadyTrashfire) January 9, 2020
actual footage from inside buckingham palace tonight #Megxit pic.twitter.com/0UOBd9ajtt
— rodney trotter (@gailplattstrim) January 8, 2020
https://twitter.com/wooddog28/status/1214995204480081928
Meghan bumping into the queen on her way out of the palace #Megxit #MeghanMarkle pic.twitter.com/tHrnx7eeuA
— Jo Frost’s Naughty Step (@supernannyreact) January 8, 2020
Well, to keep following their traditions or to take a path unknown, it’s completely the decision of the Royal couple. We wish them all the luck for whatever they decide for themselves.