Prince Harry and Meghan Markle plan to cut down royal responsibilities
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared their plans to take 'a step back' as senior members of the royal family on Instagram. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said their decision came 'after many months of reflection and internal discussions.'
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry revealed on Wednesday that they would be stepping back as "senior members" of the royal family, but it appears not everyone was informed about the announcement.
A source close to the palace told Fox News late Wednesday: "Some members of the royal family were not consulted before the Duke and Duchess' statement was issued."
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Earlier on Wednesday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex explained that they will be splitting time between the United Kingdom and North America and are working to "become financially independent."
Their decision came "after many months of reflection and internal discussion," Markle and Prince Harry said in a statement posted on their verified Instagram account.
"We have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution," the couple shared. “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. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment."
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"We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honor our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages," they continued. "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."
Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex gesture during their visit to Canada House in thanks for the warm Canadian hospitality and support they received during their recent stay in Canada, in London, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020. (Daniel Leal-Olivas/Pool Photo via AP)
"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," added the couple, who will reportedly keep their royal titles.
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Buckingham Palace also released its own comment regarding the news on its official website. "Discussions with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage," it read. "We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through."
Harry and Meghan made their first public appearance on Tuesday since returning to the U.K. from Canada, where they spent a six-week leave of absence from royal duties, spending the holiday season with their 7-month-old son, Archie.
Fox News' Stephanie Nolasco contributed to this report.
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