The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have issued a statement on Wednesday, 8 January 2020, following their six-week break from royal duties.

Meghan and Harry. Photo: The Royal Family

‘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.

Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

However, it appears they didn’t brief the rest of the Royal Family, as Buckingham Palace has issued the following statement.

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.

Statement from Buckingham Palace, 8 January 2020

As Piers Morgan said on Twitter. ‘Translation: the Queen’s bloody furious’.

Judging by comments on social media, many felt sympathy for Queen Elizabeth, as this decision was deemed ‘rude and disrespectful’.

Furthermore, the announcement has overshadowed the Duchess of Cambridge’s 38th birthday (9 January 2020).

Outspoken critic, Katie Hopkins, has asked on Twitter for a refund on Harry and Meghan’s wedding in 2017.

On the other hand, other on social media have said comments along the lines of ‘good luck to them, it’s their life’ whilst others have said ‘good riddance.’

A friend in Tamworth has described Meghan as ‘the Yoko Ono of the Royal Family.’

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex want their cake and to eat it too.

They want to ‘step back’ as senior members of the Royal Family and become ‘financially independent’, but will still receive funds from the Duchy of Cornwall (financial support from ‘Dad’, the Prince of Wales) and still continue living at Frogmore Cottage.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are also changing the rules regarding the British media, especially for those royal correspondents on the Royal Rota.

The Australian Women’s Weekly’s Royal Correspondent, Juliet Reiden, pointed out on Twitter this was the ‘new rules of engagement’ with Harry and Meghan.


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