In an unexpected move from the royal family, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex today made a public announcement that they plan to step back from their roles as senior royals and divide their time between the United Kingdom and North America.
Buckingham Palace released a statement in which the royals explained their next move to “carve out a progressive new role within this institution”.
Harry (35) and Meghan (38) also plan to become financially independent following their departure from royal life. The prince is sixth in line for the crown.
The couple married in royal fashion on 19 May 2018 in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom. A year later their only child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, was born on 6 May 2019.
Harry and Meghan have spoken out publicly about their struggles with the spotlight. Last year, Harry lashed out at the British media for how they treated his wife, accusing them of hounding her the way they did his mother, Princess Diana, who died in a 1997 car crash while trying to escape paparazzi.
Their statement explained the need for the next chapter in their lives.
“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…”
While some wished the royal couple well, others were taken aback by the move.
Any chance he could take the rest of them with him when he goes?? #RoyalFamily #Spongers #Ginger #MajorHewitt
— Dazz ⚒⚒ (@dustydaz) January 8, 2020
Does this mean we now call Prince Harry the artist formally known as? #RoyalFamily
— MW (@MWChatShow) January 8, 2020
I’ve considered leaving my responsibilities behind and renouncing my #royalfamily benefits before. Didn’t go well. Once a Royal #meghan #harry
— Julio Mario Zambrano (@nightlifexpert) January 8, 2020
Remember that Andrew is not public anymore, he is hiding from the american police. I hope Harry is not giving a hand to Andrew. You never know. #RoyalFamily #EpsteinCoverup #Epstein
— Sleepflower ????? (@sleepflowrr) January 8, 2020
British royalty are just the rich on welfare, I give Harry and Meghan credit for being the first to resign from the silliness of it all. #PrinceHarry #MeghanMarkle #RoyalFamily #PrinceAndrew #WednesdayWisdom #WednesdayThoughts #JeffreyEpstein #JeffEpstein https://t.co/GNuJtNilsG
— David Perez (@Thought_Bait) January 8, 2020