The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have made a major announcement on January 8 and it means a big change is about to happen within the Royal Family.
After being married for over a year and welcoming their first child, a son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, into the world in May, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are “stepping back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: New ‘Year in Review’ Video From Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Has Never-Before-Seen Photo of Archie in Canada
In an Instagram post, Harry and Meghan made the announcement to the public regarding their big decision. “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.”
The statement continued, “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.”
Harry and Meghan also revealed that they will now be splitting their time between the United Kingdom and North America, while also honoring their “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.”
Shortly after their announcement was made, Prince Harry’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, issued a statement of her own in response. The Queen made sure the public knew that this change is still in the early stages of being executed.
“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.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Release Their First Christmas Card as a Family of Three Just Days Before the Holiday
According to a source with inside knowledge, People reports that the Queen, Prince Charles, and Prince William were caught off guard by Harry and Meghan’s decision to release their statement when they did.
The announcement comes shortly after Harry and Meghan spent the holidays in Canada with Meghan’s mother. The source told People, “There is a lot of hurt about this.”