Prince Harry and Meghan Markle dropped a bombshell back in January when they announced that they would be moving to North America, stepping back as senior royals, and working to build a life more separate from the monarchy. They said at the time:
“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. It is with your encouragement, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.”
However, as these things tend to be, it was much more complicated than that. Extricating themselves from The Firm is proving to be rather difficult, and according to a new report, might not be permanent. Starting on March 31st, the couple will be starting a one year trial period “to ensure the arrangement works for all parties.”
Harry still has six royal events to attend before officially giving up the senior royal title in March. Additionally, while they will be giving up offices in Buckingham Palace and their royal titles, they will still maintain the titles of Earl and Countess of Dumbarton as well as Baron and Baroness Kilkeel.
While they are heading back to North America at the end of the month, they will be returning to the UK “regularly.” According to their statement, they will still remain dedicated to their various causes.
“In general, the themes of their cause related work will remain unchanged, which includes the Commonwealth, community, youth empowerment and mental health, collectively. The duke’s priorities remain supporting the welfare of servicemen and women, conservation, sport for social development, HIV and Travalyst which works to mobilize the tourism and travel industry for social good. For the duchess, her focus remains women’s empowerment, gender equality and education.”
This decision to leave was a rather serious one, and Harry and Meghan put a lot of thought into their decision. At a dinner for supporters of Sentebale, Harry gave a speech explaining that they had no other options.
“The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back, is not one I made lightly. It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges. And I know I haven’t always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option… I will always have the utmost respect for my grandmother, my commander in chief, and I am incredibly grateful to her and the rest of my family, for the support they have shown Meghan and I over the last few months.”
