Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
The Sussex Saga continues as Her Majesty The Queen has released yet another statement regarding Meghan and Harry’s decision to ‘step back’ from their Royal duties. On 18 January, Her Majesty stepped out in gracious support of her grandson’s controversial decision to live a more independent life.
ALSO SEE: The Queen Responds to Harry and Meghan ‘Stepping Back’
The world has been abuzz with reaction to the young couple’s decision. The reaction has been relatively mixed, with some fans communicating vehement support and others reacting with vitriol. The Queen has committed to “support their wish for a more independent life”.
Prince Harry, Meghan 'no longer working members of the Royal family': Buckingham Palace https://t.co/pG4hAqCuQ8 #Royals pic.twitter.com/oKl8XYNLTz
— Calgary Sun (@calgarysun) January 18, 2020
The Queen’s Statement of Support
Here’s The Queen’s full statement:
“Following many months of conversations and more recent discussions, I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family.
Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family.
I recognize the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.
I want to thank them for all their dedicated work across this country, the Commonwealth and beyond, and am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family.
It is my whole family’s hope that today’s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reached an agreement with Buckingham Palace to step back from the Royal Family. They'll surrender their royal titles . . . and they have to stop using the Queen's Netflix password.
~Tymo #Royals pic.twitter.com/p0NJULNIJU— Canada's COOL FM (@coolradiocanada) January 20, 2020
ALSO SEE: Why Meghan Markle’s Birthday Is Important To The Queen
The Statement from Buckingham Palace
This statement clarifies some of the smaller details of Harry and Meghan’s future. While we still have lots of questions, we now know when their more independent way of life will commence.
Read the full statement below:
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are grateful to Her Majesty and the Royal Family for their ongoing support as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
As agreed in this new arrangement, they understand that they are required to step back from Royal duties, including official military appointments. They will no longer receive public funds for Royal duties.
With The Queen’s blessing, the Sussexes will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations. While they can no longer formally represent The Queen, the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty.
The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have shared their wish to repay Sovereign Grant expenditure for the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage, which will remain their UK family home.
Buckingham Palace does not comment on the details of security arrangements. There are well established independent processes to determine the need for publicly-funded security.
This new model will take effect in the Spring of 2020.”
ALSO SEE: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Royal Babies
Meghan’s Dad Speaks Out Against the Couple
The Queen’s statement is a tasteful and heartening turn of events. Harry and Meghan have faced so much backlash that the tone of support is no doubt welcomed.
Most recently, Meghan’s estranged father shared some not-so-kind words about the couple’s decision. Thomas Markle accused the pair of “cheapening” and “destroying” the Royal institution. Furthermore, he described their actions as turning the Royal traditions and institutions into “a Walmart with a crown on it”.
So even though Her Majesty may be supportive, it seems like Meghan still has a long way to go mending things with her dad (and perhaps even the public?). Who knows what’s next for Harry and Meghan? Only time will tell…
Compiled by Features Writer Ashton Kirsten
