Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Didn’t Tell Queen About Decision To ‘Step Back’ From Royal Duties

Buckingham Palace has responded to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step back as senior royals.

The palace’s statement reads in full, “Discussions with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage. We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through.”

As earlier reported, Meghan and Harry’s decision came “after many months of reflection and internal discussions.” They two are now working to become financially independent from the Royal Family and plan to live between North America and the UK, so they have space “to focus on the next chapter” while also raising their son with “an appreciation for the royal tradition.”

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not discuss releasing their personal statement with any royal, palace sources told BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond. Buckingham Palace was reportedly “blindsided” by the statement, as conversations about Harry and Meghan’s future were only preliminary.

Meghan and Harry’s announcement came just three months after they sued the British tabloid, The Mail on Sunday, for unlawfully releasing a letter Meghan wrote to her father which The Mail heavily edited to manipulate readers. A month later, Meghan appeared to hold back tears in the documentary, Harry and Meghan An African Journey, as she revealed that she is struggling to deal with the constant media attention and scrutiny she is facing.

Along with their statement, the couple has now also released their plans for an “advised media approach” as they transition into their new roles in the Royal Family. They will impliment this updated approach in the spring, which includes providing “access to credible media outlets focused on objective news reporting to cover key moments and events” and withdrawing from the Royal Rota system, which is largely comprised of UK tabloids.