Rumors Say Meghan Markle Could Have Stepped Down Before Marrying Prince Harry

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are happily settling into their new home country of Canada after shocking the world with a surprise announcement: The couple has stepped down as senior members of the Royal Family.

Meghan has been maligned in the British press for years and Harry has openly lashed out paparazzi for harassing his wife -- but that doesn't mean the move didn't come as a complete surprise to supporters of the Sussexes. What is pretty surprising is the recent report indicating Meghan could have had an out from the very beginning.

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Accusations were flung at Duchess Meghan, claiming the former Suits actor wanted to leave the palace in order to renew her acting career. Detractors claimed she had talked Prince Harry into the exit so she could seek more fame for herself.

Others claimed that Meghan was too progressive for the Royal Family and that she hated some of their conservative ways. And, of course, there have been plenty of rumors pitting Duchess Meghan against Princess Kate, claiming antagonistic attitudes led to a falling out.

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An anonymous source is now reporting that Meghan was given the opportunity to give up the Duchess title before she and Prince Harry had gotten married. The source says Queen Elizabeth II wanted to ensure an easy transition for Meghan and had allegedly offered for her to keep her acting career.

The source said Duchess Meghan was happy to take a break from Hollywood and was excited to step into the world of working royalty. Meghan has been very active with animal rights charities and eco-friendly initiatives.

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Rumors claim there is some tension in the palace now that Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan have left. Sources say the Queen did not expect the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would allegedly change their minds about stepping down only two years after the reported first offer.

It has been said the Queen was disappointed by the move and considered taking away Harry and Meghan's Duke and Duchess titles out of spite, but chose instead to only strip their highest honors: His and Her Royal Highness.

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Duchess Meghan is said to now be considering a return to her acting career, but Prince Harry would not agree they left the Royal Family so his wife could pursue these goals.

Prince Harry has plainly blamed the British press' harassment of his wife for pushing them to make this choice. However, the Duke has been talking up Meghan's talents and has been reportedly suggesting she return to films as a voice actor or director. He was instrumental in procuring her upcoming Disney project that will be used to aid a charity that fights against elephant poaching.