‘Megxit’ bombshell: shock as Prince Harry and Meghan step back from senior royal roles
- Couple issue statement saying they will ‘work to become financially independent’ and will spend more time in North America
- Timing of the announcement appeared to have wrongfooted family members, including the queen
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan have stunned the British monarchy by quitting as front line members – reportedly without first consulting Queen Elizabeth.
In a shock announcement, the couple said they would spend time in North America and rip up long-established relations with the press.
Media reports said the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their bombshell statement without notifying either Harry’s grandmother the monarch, or his father Prince Charles.
The surprise news follows a turbulent year for the couple, who have openly said they have struggled in the spotlight and grown apart from Harry’s brother Prince William. They have also reacted badly to negative news coverage.
“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,” they said in a statement released by Buckingham Palace.
“We have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution,” they added.
