That Was Quick! Meghan Markle & Prince Harry's Wax Figures Booted from Madame Tussauds' Royal Family Display

Julie Sprankles

In a case of actual art imitating life, Madame Tussauds has moved its wax Sussexes away from the rest of the royal family figures. In a shift that started at the popular wax museum’s London location, the wax statues of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were relocated to another part of Madame Tussauds — a move soon-to-be mirrored by the museum’s New York location.

The relocation is a reflection of Harry and Meghan’s announcement on Wednesday that they are downsizing their role as senior royals. Madame Tussauds revealed the move on Twitter Thursday afternoon, sharing a photo showing their royal family wax display featuring the Queen, Prince Philip, Kate Middleton and Prince William. Where Harry and Meghan’s wax statues once stood was a glaring space. “We’ve got to respect their wishes,” the museum tweeted with a shrug emoji, adding, “#Megxit.”

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Madame Tussauds general manager Steve Davies also released a statement explaining the decision, saying, “Alongside the rest of the world we are reacting to the surprising news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be stepping back as senior royals. From today Meghan and Harry’s figures will no longer appear in our Royal Family set. As two of our most popular and well-loved figures, they will of course remain an important feature at Madame Tussauds London as we watch to see what the next chapter holds for them.”

 

Not everyone appreciated the museum’s cheeky relocation of Harry and Meghan’s wax statues, though. In the photo’s comment feed, followers accused Madame Tussauds of pandering to the Queen, being “racist and uneducated” and more. “There’s always so much to do when I visit London, so thanks for helping me cross one thing off the list,” wrote one disappointed follower. “I guess I’m just surprised that your Twitter is run by a petty 14-year-old.”

But the museum insists the move is more of a tribute to the Sussexes than a dig. “Harry and Meghan will be separated from the family to mirror their ‘progressive new role within the Royal institution,'” Madam Tussauds explained, quoting Harry and Meghan’s original statement regarding a “step back” from their position as senior royals.

And considering Madame Tussauds New York plans to follow suit, it seems like the London location’s explanation could be legit. According to Vanity Fair, Harry and Meghan’s wax figures will be headed to the “A-List Party” room once back at the Times Square museum. There, they’ll be in good company. The room contains wax tributes to Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman and even Meghan’s close friend Priyanka Chopra.

Brittany Williams, a spokesperson for the New York location, told Vanity Fair, “Our experiences bring iconic moments to life; to reflect the announcement we will be moving the popular figures to another area in the attraction upon their return to Madame Tussauds New York. We look forward to spending more time with the couple in North America and we will continue to watch to see what the next chapter holds for them.”

So, given that intel, Madam Tussauds might actually be shading the royal family — not Harry and Meghan. What’s your take?

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