Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have announced that they will be stepping down as ‘senior’ members of the British Royal Family in a new Instagram post that has sparked quite the controversy.
“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 announcement said, fresh off the couple’s return to the UK from a 2-month break in Canada.
The couple revealed that they will continue to support the Crown while balancing their time between both the UK and the US.
“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.”
The Sussexes also stated that this will allow them to raise their son, Archie with an appreciation of both cultures he was born into. “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.”
“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.”
Reportedly, Buckingham Palace was “blindsided” according to BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond as these talks were still in the early stages. The Palace also said there were “complicated issues that will take time to work through.”
Bryony Gordon, a Daily Telegraph reporter suggested that this decision has stemmed from the couple becoming a “punching bag” for a “misogynistic and racist” nation, which has impacted their mental health.