Comically dubbed “Megxit,” the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the decision last week to “step back as senior members” of the Royal Family, according to the BBC. Harry and his wife, former U.S. actress Meghan Markle, blindsided the Palace with the announcement of the couple’s intentions to become financially independent.
Separation from royal duties has happened in the history of the Mountbatton-Windsors before, and it should be noted that the decision isn’t yet made, according to CNN. Reports show that the Queen had asked Prince Harry not to release any statement about separations before further negotiations with the royal family, but he ignored the request. BBC reported that the Queen was “disappointed.”
Meghan and Harry claimed despite their independence, they still wished to “honor the legacy of her Majesty the queen,” which struck British citizens as odd considering they “hadn’t honored her enough to agree to a news release strategy.” Progressives have taken Meghan and Harry’s decisions with acceptance, especially with Meghan’s experience with racism since her arrival in England.
For the future, Meghan and Harry will be expected to repay British taxpayers the USD $3 million contributed for renovations on their Frogmore cottage. They will also undergo a one-year “probationary period” after which they will meet with remaining Senior Members of the Palace to determine whether the separation will be permanent.
Archie, Meghan and Harry’s son, was born without a royal title, so there won’t be any changes for him, but Meghan and Harry will renounce their titles of Duchess and Duke respectively. They made a plan to split their time between North America and Britain and have reportedly began a search for a home in Toronto, according to BBC.
Following a history of “rule breaking” in their relationship and pressures from the media taking a toll on mental health, Meghan and Harry’s decision to leave may leave the royal family in an uproar, but it shouldn’t shock citizens.
First published in print by The Stillman Exchange on January 24, 2020.
