Major news for royals fans: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have decided to step down from their royal duties. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared the news on Instagram Wednesday afternoon, explaining that the decision would enable them to raise their son in the way they feel is best and focus on the launch of their new charity.
Read their statement below:
“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.”
According to royal reporter Chris Ship, this essentially means that Meghan and Harry are resigning from official responsibilities.
A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal)
A photo posted by on
Royal reporter Omid Scobie later clarified how Meg and Harry will work with the media, stating that they will no longer participate in the Royal Rota system and will continue to share information from their Instagram account, @SussexRoyal. You can find out exactly what that means here.
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan confirm that they are stepping back as senior members of the royal family and will divide their time between the UK and North America. Full statement: pic.twitter.com/D2iAs71rWcJanuary 8, 2020
It's unclear what this will mean regarding the amount of official public appearances the Duke and Duchess will participate in, but it is clear that this has been a very thought-out decision from the duo. However, it may have come as a surprise to some members of the royal family. BBC's royal correspondent Jonny Dymond wrote: "BBC understands that no other member of the Royal Family was consulted before Harry and Meghan issued their personal statement tonight, the Palace is understood to be ‘disappointed.'"
The Queen's office also seems to have a slightly different take on it. Buckingham Palace said in a statement, "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.”
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Related Stories
Meghan Markle Is Glowing In a Camel Coat
Meghan Markle Was Spotted Hiking in Canada
Rachel Epstein is a writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. Most recently, she was the Managing Editor at Coveteur, where she oversaw the site’s day-to-day editorial operations. Previously, she was an editor at Marie Claire, where she wrote and edited culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also launched and managed the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game or finding a new coffee shop.
-
Simone Ashley Masters the Art of the Outfit Change
The British actress is done with regency-core.
By India Roby Published
-
Sarah Paulson Calls Out an Actress By Name Who Once Sent Six Pages of Unsolicited Notes to Her About One of Her Performances
“Am I going to get sued? I don’t care, because I think this is outrageous.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
The Dôen Sorority Is Coming to Gap
Sisters (and brand superfans) Lily and Ruby Aldridge star in the campaign.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Archewell Foundation Has Been Declared "Delinquent"
It seems it was a simple oversight, expected to be fixed promptly.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Meghan Markle Gets Candid About Her Journey, Telling an Audience That Her Life “Certainly Had a Plot Twist”
She then opened up about her best work/life balance advice—and it might surprise you.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince Harry Would “Love to Reconnect” with Princess Kate—But Royal Biographer Says Prince William Won’t Have It
“Harry was hit hard by the news of her cancer diagnosis,” according to Christopher Andersen.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Meghan Markle Had No Stylist and No Glam Squad on Hand for Recent Tour of Nigeria, Her Longtime Makeup Artist Daniel Martin Says
“She’s doing everything herself, and she’s so good at it.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Meghan Markle Wears Princess Diana's Cross Necklace During Mother's Day Weekend
The duchess made a powerful statement.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Meghan Markle, In a Proud Wife Moment, Says of Prince Harry “You See Why I’m Married To Him?” While at an Engagement in Nigeria
She also revealed what words her daughter, Princess Lilibet, said that she “held onto.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Land in Nigeria After Briefly Reuniting in London
They have a full program for their three days in the West African country.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Even the Possibility of Meghan Markle Writing a Memoir Similar to ‘Spare’ Apparently “Fills King Charles with Horror”
After the idea of a follow up to Prince Harry’s bestselling memoir was squashed, “the focus has now switched to Meghan,” royal author Tom Quinn said.
By Rachel Burchfield Published