Harry and Meghan's shock decision

Harry and Meghan go for quiet life

13th January 2020

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have shocked the world by announcing that they will step back from their roles as "senior" members of the British Royal Family.

Prince Harry and Meghan made their statement without first fully consulting the Royal Family, who are said to be "hurt" by their decision and the way it was announced. Buckingham Palace was reportedly "blindsided" by the move, which they advised had come as complex talks about Harry and Meghan's future roles were at a very early stage.

The couple's move defines the clear rift that has developed between them and the Royal Family. They state the decision had been taken "after many months of reflection and internal discussions" expressing their desire to become "members of the Royal Family with financial independence".

They will divide their time between the UK and North America, thereby "providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter" while keeping son Archie connected with his royal heritage. They affirmed their commitment to "continuing to honour our duty to the Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages". Prince Harry remains sixth in line to the throne.

The couple's shock announcement was accompanied by a "revised media approach" to "engage with grassroots media organisations and young, up-and-coming journalists".

They have withdrawn from the "royal rota" which gives mainstream media exclusive access providing they share their interview material. The couple state "the current system predates the dramatic transformation of news reporting in the digital age" .Harry had earlier decried the media's "ruthless campaign" of "relentless propaganda" against Meghan.

The announcement has raised questions over the Royal couple's future roles, relationships with other members of the Royal Family, and the fallout for the Royal Family as an institution. Following in the wake of the Prince Andrew scandal, this is another blow for an institution which had seen Harry and Meghan as key to its 21st century reinvention.

Talks have begun between the Palace and Downing Street to examine the implications and consider whether a new, slimmed-down role can work, or whether it's a step towards the couple leaving the Royal Family altogether.