Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shocked the world when they announced their decision to step down as senior members of the Royal Family, just 20 months after their wedding.
The couple made the announcement through a social media statement, but Harry later regretted not consulting his grandmother, the late Queen, about their plans.
On January 8, 2020, Harry and Meghan shared on Instagram their desire for more privacy and financial independence. They wrote, “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen 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.” However, their sudden announcement caught many, including the Queen, off guard.
Reports later revealed that Harry felt regretful about “blindsiding” his grandmother by not discussing the matter with her beforehand. A source told *The Telegraph* that Harry did not fully understand the impact the announcement would have without prior consultation with the Queen.
The Queen responded to their statement with an unprecedented announcement, confirming that Harry and Meghan would no longer be “full-time working members of the Royal Family.” While she expressed her wish for them to stay, she supported their decision to live a more independent life.
She stated, “Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives” and outlined a transition period where they would split their time between Canada and the UK.
In February 2021, Buckingham Palace issued another statement confirming that Harry and Meghan would not return as working royals. The statement noted that stepping away meant they could no longer carry out the duties and responsibilities that come with royal life.
