Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s royal exit! 5 years later, here’s what yhey’ve said about it
The couple has been candid about why they decided to forge a new path on Jan. 8, 2020.
Five years ago, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry broke the royal mold.
On Jan. 8, 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the bombshell announcement that they planned to step back as senior working royals, writing on Instagram, “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,” the statement continued. “It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.”
Originally, the couple — who were new parents to 8-month-old son Prince Archie at the time — intended to split their time between the U.K. and North America and sought to continue “to honor our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth and our patronages,” the statement said.
“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.”