Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's departure from the Royal Family, accompanied by the relinquishment of their royal stipend, marks an unprecedented decision that Buckingham Palace is carefully assessing, acknowledging that "these matters take time."
As Queen Elizabeth II bid farewell to a challenging year, the royal family faced further upheaval. After Prince Andrew's resignation from royal duties due to his association with the controversial figure Jeffrey Epstein, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, along with their eight-month-old son Archie, took a six-week sabbatical away from the public eye.
Upon their return, they dropped a bombshell announcement via their social media channels: their withdrawal from the Royal Family. In their statement, they revealed, "After extensive deliberation and internal discussions, we have chosen to embark on a transition this year, transitioning away from our senior roles in the Royal Family and pursuing financial independence while remaining steadfast in our support of Her Majesty the Queen." This transition entails forgoing their royal salaries.
The couple also disclosed their plan to split their time between the United Kingdom and North America, with Canada being the likely destination, as they had spent Christmas with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, in that country. They expressed their intent to balance their son's upbringing, instilling an appreciation for his royal heritage, while also focusing on the launch of a charitable endeavor. They promised to share further details as the plan evolves and expressed gratitude for the support they've received thus far.
This news comes as a shock, although rumors have long suggested a strained relationship between the couple and the Queen, in contrast to the Queen's rapport with Prince William and Catherine. The public has even become aware of the rift between the two brothers.
In the United Kingdom, it is believed that nothing occurs without Queen Elizabeth II's knowledge. The absence of a photograph of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex alongside the Queen in her Christmas address last December was seen as a sign of their strained relationship, leading up to their announcement of resignation. However, Buckingham Palace issued a response, emphasizing that discussions are in the early stages and the matter is complex: "We understand their desire to chart their own course, but these issues are intricate and will require time. Talks with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are in their preliminary stages."
Following their six-week break, Prince Harry and Meghan resumed their public engagements, beginning with a visit to Canada House in London, where they expressed their gratitude for the warm reception received during their time in North America. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed them to Canada, where they rented a lavish coastal mansion.
The Sussexes' decision to step back from public life followed a significant trip to Africa that was televised. During the trip, Meghan candidly discussed her experiences of loneliness after becoming a mother. The couple has faced various challenges together, including an ongoing battle with the media, which they have accused of intruding on their privacy.
Meghan, in particular, has been the target of media scrutiny and social media harassment, with criticisms ranging from her skin color to her role as a mother. Prince Harry, having endured the loss of his mother, Princess Diana, due to media harassment, is determined to protect his family from a similar fate.
