When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced last fall that they planned to take an "extended break" from their royal duties around the holidays, no one had any idea just how extended that break might prove to be. A recent announcement by the royal couple on Instagram may well be the most shocking news since Harry's Great-granduncle Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson: Prince Harry and his bride will "step back as 'senior members' of the royal family." It's been no secret that Meghan Markle, herself a divorcee and a Yank, has had her difficulties fitting in with the sometimes stuffy British royals. Still, no one expected a move of such magnitude that it has now earned its own name in the British press: Megxit.
The rift among the royals, perhaps most prominently, tension between Princes William and Harry, began even before Harry's engagement, when his big brother cautioned him not to move so fast with Meghan. While their son Archie, now 8 months old, was welcomed into the royal family with all due pomp and circumstance, Meghan later told ITV journalist Tom Bradby that giving birth under the glaring spotlight cast by royal-watchers everywhere was, quote, "really challenging," especially when, quote, "add[ed] on top of just trying to be a new mom or trying to be a newlywed."
In light of her postpartum stress and tension, Meghan, along with Harry, decided to spend baby Archie's first Christmas away from the hubbub of Sandringham Palace. Instead, the threesome opted for "private family time" at a mansion on Vancouver Island in Canada. While Meghan described the holiday as, quote, "an incredible time," the fact remains that this getaway was likely prompted by the growing rift between Harry and his brother. As Harry told a TV interviewer last fall, they are, quote, "on different paths."
An official spokesperson for Buckingham Palace has released a statement characterizing Prince Harry's plans as being still "at an early stage." They clarified:
"We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through.”
While the queen herself has not spoken publicly regarding this announcement, the British tabloid press is claiming she's "sad" while Prince Charles is "furious." The scandal-mongering Sun goes so far as to suggest civil war looms on the horizon.
It's worth noting that the statement released on the Sussex Royal Instagram account does promise that Prince Harry and Meghan will continue, quote, "to fully support Her Majesty The Queen" and continue, quote, "to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages." That's something, right?
While nobody else seems to be rushing to take up arms in a literal sense in defense of the crown, British journalist and author Sarah Gristwood told The Independent it was a very bad sign, indeed, that neither Harry nor Meghan had consulted with the queen before broadcasting their plans on Instagram. She characterized their failure to give a heads-up as, quote, "a major breach of protocol." Royal commentator Sally Baker agrees. She went so far as to say:
"It looks like the royal family is in trouble."
And that might be true, but since when is that not the case? The royal family's been better than a soap opera since the days of King Arthur.
The couple's statement also spoke of Harry and Meghan's desire to "establish financial independence," and to found a new charitable entity. Although the Instagram post didn't provide further details about this venture, Town and Country reported last week that the planned foundation, called Sussex Royal, has been in the works since last year. Its focus, according to Meghan, will be on, quote, "really strong, community-based projects."
Perhaps the biggest break with tradition is the wannabe-slightly-less-royal couple's plans to base their family, at least part of the time, away from Shakespeare's sceptered isle. Although, they didn't supply a location more specific than "North America." Their statement reads, in part:
"This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born."
Of course, if they're wanting to balance out the British royal tradition with an All-American one, maybe even in Meghan's hometown of Los Angeles, Bravo host Andy Cohen has issued, via Instagram comment, a, quote, "open invite for The Duchess to join #RHOBH !!!" Now that would be must-see TV on both sides of the pond.
Wherever their next destination may be, we wish the duke and duchess all the luck and happiness in their life outside of the royal fishbowl. Watch the video to learn The Real Reason Why Harry & Meghan Are Stepping Down!
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