The Duke and Duchess of Sussex -Prince Harry and Meghan, – announced on Wednesday, Jan. 8, their plan to “step back as ‘senior’ members of the royal family.”
The Royal couple published their decision on their official Instagram page.
“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,” the couple said in the statement.
The royal couple, who welcomed their firstborn Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor in May 2019, has been under Media scrutiny and Royal pressure for a long time now. Their decision to distance themselves from the royal family, and to split their time between Britain and North America, will allow them to focus on their immediate family.
“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,” the couple said in the Instagram post.
Meghan, who left England on Friday, is currently in Canada.
The announcement raised a lot of controversies, and several people chose to blame Meghan for it.
“Very unethical. I think the crown went way beyond its [principles] to make her feel very much part of the family. She knew what she was going in for,” an Instagram user wrote.
Others defended the Duchess and greeted the news positively.
“They have their reasons and only they know why and of course the family know too. They have decided to step back rather than step down but that doesn’t give anyone the right to disrespect them. Everyone jumping on the page to blame Meghan,” another user wrote.
“Good for you[!] Lives your lives. Your love. Your way!” one comment reads.
The media quickly referred to this crisis as “Megxit.” This potential rupture in the royal family might tarnish the English monarchy.
The Queen, Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry, accompanied by their private secretaries, all attended an emergency meeting on Friday to address the couple’s decision, and come to an arrangement.
Queen Elizabeth II announced today she supports Prince Harry and Meghan’s decision.
“My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family,” the queen said in a statement.
Buckingham Palace will work with Prince Harry and Meghan to prepare for their transition.
Alma Beauvais is The WOLF's News Director and current junior of Mass Communications at the University of West Georgia.
