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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced they were stepping down as senior members of the Royal Family in a statement shared on social media - but Harry later regretted how he handled the situation
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left fans stunned when they revealed their decision to step back from the Royal Family in 2020, a mere 20 months after their wedding. The couple made the announcement via a social media statement, which Harry later reportedly regretted due to its abrupt nature.
The Sussexes expressed their wish for increased privacy and financial independence in an Instagram post on 8 January 2020. "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," they declared.
However, their sudden announcement took many by surprise, including the late Queen, who was "blindsided" by the revelations. According to the Telegraph, Harry later felt remorse for not discussing the matter with his grandmother prior to the public announcement.
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A source told the newspaper: "I don't think he fully appreciated the impact the statement would have in terms of them not consulting the Queen. He regrets that."
Following the Sussexes' shocking revelation, the Queen issued an unprecedented statement confirming that the couple were no longer "full-time working members of the Royal family ", reports the Mirror.
The late Queen confessed she would have "preferred" the Sussexes to stay, but maintained she understood and supported 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," the Queen said. "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."
A short time later in February 2021, a second statement was issued by Buckingham Palace on behalf of the Queen, who confirmed that Harry and Meghan were stepping down permanently.
It read: "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family.
"Following conversations with The Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service. The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family.
"While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family."
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