Following the Jan. 9 Instagram post announcing that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are stepping down as senior members of the Royal Family, a spokesperson of the couple announced that “[t]he Duke and Duchess of Sussex will formally step down as senior royals from March 31.”
According to the Financial Express, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will stop carrying out royal duties for Queen Elizabeth II starting Apr. 1.
Their decision to step down wasn’t easy, but based on their documentary under ITV, a huge reason is the UK media’s sexist and racist coverage of the Duchess.
Although the initial reaction of the Royal Family was of shock and disappointment, the Queen herself says that she supports the decision of the couple. “Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family,” the longest reigning monarch’s statement read. “I recognize the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life,” she added while proceeding to thank the couple for their work.
The couple, along with their son Archie, has been in Canada since their initial announcement. Aside from coming back to the UK to attend their last few functions, they will unveil further details of their charitable foundation later in the year.
[Financial Express]
Photo courtesy of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Instagram account
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