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In an unexpected move from the royal family, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex today made a public announcement that they plan to step back from their roles as senior royals and divide their time between the United Kingdom and North America.

Buckingham Palace released a statement in which the royals explained their next move to “carve out a progressive new role within this institution”.

Harry (35) and Meghan (38) also plan to become financially independent following their departure from royal life. The prince is sixth in line for the crown.

The couple married in royal fashion on 19 May 2018 in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom. A year later their only child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, was born on 6 May 2019.

 

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“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. 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. 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, including the launch of our new charitable entity. We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.” – The Duke and Duchess of Sussex For more information, please visit sussexroyal.com (link in bio) Image © PA

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Harry and Meghan have spoken out publicly about their struggles with the spotlight. Last year, Harry lashed out at the British media for how they treated his wife, accusing them of hounding her the way they did his mother, Princess Diana, who died in a 1997 car crash while trying to escape paparazzi.

Their statement explained the need for the next chapter in their lives.

“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, including the launch of our new charitable entity…”

While some wished the royal couple well, others were taken aback by the move.

 

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Nidha Narrandes is a food-obsessed travel addict with 21 years of journalism experience. Her motto - Travel. Eat. Repeat. She is happiest on a road to nowhere without a plan. A masterchef at home, she can't do without chilli - because chilli makes the world a tastier place.