Royal Family Split on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Departure

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are taking a step back from the Royal Family, but the family doesn’t seem to be on board.

The couple took to Instagram Wednesday to announce their decoupling from the monarchy in which the two “intend to take a step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family” and “work to become financially independent.”

The pair plans to balance time between, and live in both the United Kingdom and North America as they focus on raising their son, Archie, and launching their new charitable organization.

In an official statement from their joint Instagram account, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex penned that they will “carve out a progressive new role within this institution.”

However, a statement from the Queen’s communications department seems to suggest this withdrawal might not go according to plan.

“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,” the Queen’s office said.

Sources have said the Queen might not even have been informed of Prince Harry and Meghan’s decision prior to the Instagram post.

The truth of the matter is that Prince Harry is not in direct line to the throne, so this decision doesn’t offer too much disruption.

It is suspected that by cutting financial ties, the couple will be able to act more freely while continuing to serve and contribute charitably to their countries.

Fatherly explains that “They’re members of the family, but also held senior roles in the business side of things too. Their salary is paid for by the British taxpayers, so when the Sussex’s said in their statement that they’re going to ‘work to become financially independent,’ what they’re saying is because they are leaving their official job as senior members of the Royal Family (the business side), they won’t receive this money from the taxes any further but will continue to “support Her Majesty The Queen,” as family does.”

Some on Twitter argue that Megan and Harry should relinquish their royal titles and taxpayer homes and properties if they are choosing to separate from their roles, while others are happy they have made the difficult decision to step away from the spotlight.

All eyes have been on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry since they began courtship in 2016, after being set up on a blind date. They married in May 2018 and had their first child, Archie, a year later in May 2019.

In October 2019, Meghan launched legal action against British publication the Mail, and Harry issued a powerful statement against the media at large, saying “I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces.”

To say the least, the royal ride has not been an easy one.

This department comes as a surprise to many, and less shocking to others. In 2017, Prince Harry hinted at wanting to leave the monarchy for an “ordinary life.” Now, his wildest dreams are coming true.

But as the saying goes, blood is thicker than water.

While Meghan and Harry may be taking a leap and beginning new traditions, they will still continue to “fully support Her Majesty The Queen” and “honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.”

In the announcement, it is noted that there was much reflection and internal discussion that went into this decision, and that more details will be coming soon. They state that the transition will begin this year, so you can expect to see the newest branch of the royal family making waves in 2020.

New year, new Royals.

About the Author

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Mia Brabham

Mia Brabham is a writer, media personality, content creator and people-loving pop culture enthusiast based in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles. When she's not working, Mia is probably guessing strangers' astrological signs, gathering a group of friends for karaoke, planning her next day trip or writing. You can find her on Instagram (@yourstrulymia) and on Twitter (@hotmessmia).