Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Asked for Independence and the Queen Said No
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly asked for complete independence when they split from Prince William and Kate Middleton's office. The Queen apparently rejected the couple's proposal to create a global Sussex brand.

- According to a new report, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle lobbied to have their own court, but Queen Elizabeth vetoed the idea.
- The report comes from the Sunday Times, which reported that a source close to the royals explained that Harry and Meghan wanted full independence and the chance to create a global philanthropy brand.
- Instead, Harry and Meghan's office will be based out of Buckingham Palace.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have big plans—but the Queen reportedly isn't on board. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex fought to have their own independent office, according to a report from the Sunday Times, but Queen Elizabeth and Harry's dad, Prince Charles, vetoed the idea. And their word is pretty much final, since Elizabeth and Charles will be jointly funding the office. A royal source told the Sunday Times:
"They wanted their household to be entirely independent of Buckingham Palace, but were told 'no.' There is an institutional structure that doesn't allow that kind of independence. The feeling is that it's good to have the Sussexes under the jurisdiction of Buckingham Palace, so they can't just go off and do their own thing."
According to the Sunday Times' report, their "own thing" would be a global "Sussex brand" of philanthropy and humanitarianism that would allow Meghan to keep working as an activist, if Harry and Meghan had their way.
The reports of a shut down from the Queen come just days after the royal family confirmed that Harry and Meghan would be splitting their household from Will and Kate's and establishing their own office at Buckingham Palace.
"The Queen has agreed to the creation of a new Household for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, following their marriage in May last year," the official release said. "The Household, which will be created with the support of The Queen and The Prince of Wales, will be established in the spring."
The change was described as being a "long-planned move" to support Harry and Meghan's royal work when they relocate to Frogmore Cottage to raise their family.
"The Queen has given permission for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex to base their Household Office at Buckingham Palace," the release continued. "Their Royal Highnesses will appoint new communications staff, who will form part of the Buckingham Palace communications team and report to The Queen’s Communications Secretary, Donal McCabe. Kensington Palace will continue to support Their Royal Highnesses until that team is in place."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for theMarie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
The 'You' Season 5 Cast Features People From Joe's Past, a New Love Interest, Madcap Twins, and More
Here's what to know about the star-studded final installment of the Netflix hit.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
These J.Crew Sale Finds Basically Packed My Suitcase for Me
I'm ready for my next vacation.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Summer's Sportiest Shoe Trend Is Worth Shopping More Than Once
17 pairs from Nordstrom, Mango, and Zara I'm shopping now.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Make Poignant NYC Appearance to Highlight "Heartbreak" No Parent Should Face
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex unveiled a powerful memorial to children lost too soon.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle Means Business in a $5,000 Ralph Lauren Linen Suit and Princess Diana's Tennis Bracelet
The Duchess of Sussex delivered spring workwear inspo at the 'TIME'100 Summit.
By Kristin Contino
-
How Princess Kate and Prince William are Following in The King and Queen's Footsteps With Surprise Anniversary Celebration
The Prince and Princess of Wales will mark their 14th anniversary on April 29.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle's Boxed Hair Dye Disaster During the Pandemic Left Her Looking "Elvira-Esque"
"I thought, ‘I'm gonna look just like she does on the box.'"
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle's White Easter Shirt Dress Is the Ultimate Spring Staple
The Duchess of Sussex wore a breezy button-down style to celebrate the holiday.
By Kristin Contino
-
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis Secretly Spent Easter With Princess Kate's Parents
The little royals were spotted in Sandringham, and hot cross buns were allegedly involved.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Prince William Has "No Time For" Uncle Prince Andrew, Per Royal Source
The Prince of Wales is said to be "one of the driving forces " behind keeping Andrew out of royal life.
By Kristin Contino
-
The "Nerve-Racking" Meeting King Charles's Cousin Had With Princess Diana
"I could have been a complete idiot."
By Amy Mackelden