The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced that they intend to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family and work towards financial independence. In a statement released on Wednesday, the couple said they planned to split their time between the United Kingdom and North America while continuing to support the Queen.
Buckingham Palace said discussions with the couple were at an early stage and understood their desire to take a different approach, but described the issues as complicated. It is understood that no other royal was consulted before the announcement, and the Palace was disappointed by the news.
In their statement, the couple said they intended to carve out a progressive new role within the institution, balancing their time to raise their son Archie with an appreciation for royal tradition. They also confirmed plans to launch a new charitable entity and expressed gratitude for support over recent years.
The announcement follows months of tension with the media. In October, Meghan launched legal proceedings against the Mail on Sunday over a published letter to her father. Prince Harry issued a scathing statement denouncing media bullying, drawing parallels with the treatment of his mother, Princess Diana, and saying he could no longer be a silent witness to his wife's suffering.
The couple have also indicated they will no longer participate in the royal rota system and prefer to work with young, up-and-coming journalists and specialist publications. Concerns about their wellbeing had previously been raised during an emotional interview in southern Africa, where Meghan appeared visibly upset when asked about tabloid scrutiny.
