Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Are Officially Stepping Down as Senior Members of the Royal Family

Max Mumby/ Indigo Getty Images

  • Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan are officially stepping back as senior members of the royal family. The couple broke the news on their Sussex Royal Instagram account this afternoon.
  • According to the couple’s statement, this transition in their roles would allow them to become “financially independent” while “continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.”

Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan are officially stepping back as senior members of the royal family and will soon be spending time between the United Kingdom and North America. The couple made the announcement on their Sussex Royal Instagram account this afternoon.

“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 statement read. “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’ decision to step down comes after speculation that the couple were considering a potential move to Canada in the near future. Now it seems that a relocation for the couple is highly likely—the Duke and Duchess mentioned wanting their son, Archie Mountbatten Windsor, to experience North American culture and life in addition to life in the U.K.

See also
Everything You Need To Know About Prince William and Kate Middleton's Children

“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,” the couple continued in their statement. News of the duke and duchess recently trademarking their foundation—The Sussex Royal The Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex—hinted that they were aiming to extend their presence as a royal couple via their new joint charity.

“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,” the couple closed the caption. “Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.”

See also
Meghan Markle Is Obsessed With Trench Coat Dresses And So Are We

 

From: Harper’s BAZAAR US