[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1741″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]In news that is dominating headlines across the globe, Prince Harry and Meghan have decided to step back from their royal duties as senior members of the Royal Family in a move that that is said to have sent “shockwaves” through the royal household.
In a statement posted on the Duke and Duchess’s official Instagram page the couple said:
“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.”
The statement has been met with a furore of negative reactions from the media, palace aides and the general public who believe that the couple “want to have their cake and eat it too”. Buckingham Palace released a statement saying that the situation is “complicated” and the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William are believed to have had no prior knowledge as to the couple’s intentions.
It is unclear what the Duke and Duchess of Sussex envisage their “new progressive role” will be and many have been quick to point out that the royal couple relies heavily on the funds given to them by the Queen, Prince Charles’ Duchy of Cornwall estate, and the taxpayers.
The Queen issued a statement after meeting with Prince Harry, Prince Charles and Prince William in which she expressed that although she wished that they would continue in their roles as senior royals, she had given them her blessing to forge their own path – however, they intend to do it.
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