Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
In what has now become known as the Sandringham summit, senior royals met to discuss new roles for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. These talks ensued after Harry and Meghan’s controversial announcement to ‘step back’ as senior royals. The couple communicated their desire to strive for financial independence and this was discussed too.
ALSO SEE: Prince Harry And Meghan Markle To ‘Step Back’ From Royal Duties
The Queen has announced her support of the ambitious couple. This follows after initial online speculation that she was unhappy with the seemingly unexpected announcement.
(Note an absence of Harry and Meghan’s photograph on The Queen’s desk for the filming of her annual speech).
The Queen’s full statement
“Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family.
My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.
Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives. It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK.
These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days.”
ALSO SEE: Prince Harry & Meghan Show Off Their Dance Moves During Royal SA Tour
The future of the Sussexes
This announcement follows after news of Archie being left with his nanny in Canada during the couple’s most recent trip to England. Moreover, the Duke and Duchess’ dogs have been transported to Canada (already) following their announcement to relocate. This could mean that the relocation could happen sooner than initially expected.
If you missed the couple’s official statement about ‘stepping back’, here it is:
Meghan and Harry have dealt with a mixed bag of responses. Many have come out in support of their decision to work towards independence.
#Opinion Besides familiarity, Canada offers a fresh sense of stress-free simplicity they are not afforded in the U.K. https://t.co/4Qqhhg2o42
— CBC News (@CBCNews) January 14, 2020
One thing I will say about #Megxit is that if you think Diana wouldn't have been SO proud of Harry for putting his wife and child first, I think you'd be mistaken. Di would have loved Meghan to bits and that's the tea
— ?️?Nikki!!??️? (@Elkers) January 10, 2020
While other Twitter users were quick to criticise Meghan and blame her for The Sussexes’ decision to relocate and step back. The whole saga has been (somewhat jokingly) referred to as #Megxit.
I don’t believe Meghan belongs with the Royals! She doesn’t fit in!! She wants to start a big business, become very wealthy, and not have to share it! So, she is trying to rip the Royals apart to achieve her goals! Harry should divorce her!
— Carol D. Boberg (@CarolDBoberg) January 14, 2020
People aren’t angry that Meghan and Harry want to leave. Please, go!
We’re angry they expect to keep their titles, privileges, luxuries and funding while pimping their royal status for gross monetary gain. Not to mention their disrespect and ingratitude to the Queen. #Megxit— tony chesser (@TonyKayjo55) January 11, 2020
Harry and Meghan’s blame game
What has, however, become clear is that Meghan is facing the brunt of the blame for this decision. Although Harry has always been an unconventional royal, it’s Meghan who has become the target for online slander.
Piers Morgan went on a now-famous rant about Meghan’s influence on the royal family. Morgan distastefully cited Meghan’s strained relationship with her father as the first warning sign of familial disruption. An undeniable low-blow.
So what’s next in the Sussex saga? Only time will tell, but for now we know that The Queen is in their corner and that’s truly what counts.
