Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Reportedly Announced Their Royal Exit to the Queen via Email

Alicia Brunker
·3 min read

When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced that they would be stepping down as senior members of the British monarchy earlier this year, the news came as a shock to everyone, including the entire royal family. Like the rest of the world, they were completely blindsided, and, understandably, "disappointed" by the couple's bombshell decision.

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“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, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. 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. We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.” - The Duke and Duchess of Sussex For more information, please visit sussexroyal.com (link in bio) Image © PA

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Jan 8, 2020 at 10:33am PST

<p>WPA Pool/Getty Images</p>

WPA Pool/Getty Images

"Shortly before they came back to London in early January, Harry contacted his grandmother and father by email to tell them he and Meghan wanted out," English wrote, adding that both the Queen and Charles urged him to take time to think about it prior to making an official announcement. Clearly, he didn't take their advice.

"They understood that he and Meghan wanted something different and were willing to help but it was complicated.There were issues like security and funding, visas and tax, which neither of them had thought through. Harry was told to put his request in writing and come up with some ideas," a source told the outlet. "He thought his family were stonewalling and decided to push the nuclear button."

RELATED: Why Queen Elizabeth Has a "Particular Sensitivity" to Prince Harry's Royal Exit

Nearly three months later, Meghan and Harry's relationship with the Queen appears to be in a better place. During their last round of royal engagements in London this month, the Queen extended an olive branch, inviting the Sussexes to join her at church. And a friend of the couple recently told People, that Meghan, Harry, and their 10-month-old son Archie are still "much loved members of the family."

"That stuff runs deep," the source added. "There is an element of working things through."