In a statement released on Instagram, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their decision to step back from royal duties.
The couple wrote:
“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. 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. 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.”
HRH, the Queen responded with a statement from 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.”
After their visit to Canada House in London where they met with Janice Charette, High Commissioner in Canada to the UK, as well as staff to thank them for the warm hospitality and support they received during their stay in the country, Royal fans would be surprised at the news.
Here are some of the reactions from fans and celebrities alike.
“Reasonably sure Meghan can earn a shed load more as an actress than anything they’ll get out of Royal Family,” – a Twitter fan “Please tell me we’ll be seeing headlines like “Actress Meghan Markle and husband”- another chipped in.
Daniel Martin, The Duchess’s makeup artist reacted on instagram saying :
“On the UP and UP in 2020 my friends! Cheers to new beginnings and always here to support your cause.” Oti Mabuse also commented: “Wooooooaaaaahhhh.”
Oprah Windfrey replied with a string of love hearts, adding: “Harry and Meghan’s next chapter.”
