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On Jan 9, the world awoke to learn Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had effectively resigned from their jobs as working royals.
Since announcing their plans to “carve out a progressive new role” for themselves and become “financially independent” on their joint Instagram account, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have begun their transition away from their former roles as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family.
You can watch this amazing timeline of Meghan and Harry’s lives (and see their adorable baby photos!) in this Meghan & Harry: From Birth To Now video below. Post continues after video.
The unexpected news (or expected, some might say) has sent royal correspondents and media commentators into a frenzy, and divided public opinion. Some are happy for them. Some are outraged. And some are wondering how Prince Harry is going to fare out in the real world as a regular bloke.
So far, everyone from The Queen and Prince William, to Piers Morgan, Karl Stefanovic and now, even Hugh Grant has weighed in. Here’s your recap of how the world is reacting to the news of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quitting their royal jobs.
Hugh Grant is on Harry’s side.
Hugh Grant is the latest, and most unexpected, figure to publicly support Harry and Meghan in the media.
Appearing on SiriusXM’s “Radio Andy” on Monday, Grant was asked for his opinion on the couple’s decision to transition out of the Royal Family.
“I’m rather on Harry’s side, I have to say,” the British actor told host Andy Cohen.
“The tabloid press effectively murdered his mother [Princess Diana], now they’re tearing his wife to pieces. I think, as a man, it’s [Harry’s] job to protect his family so I’m with him.”
Grant was referring to Princess Diana’s death in 1997 of a fatal car crash that occurred while being chased by paparazzi in Paris. You can watch Grant’s response in the video below.
The Queen on Harry and Meghan.
On Tuesday, The Queen said she’s “entirely supportive” of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wish for a more independent future following crisis talks involving the most senior members of the royal family.
The Queen was joined at Sandringham by Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry for a “very constructive” meeting, where they agreed there will now be a “period of transition” with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex living in Canada and the UK.
“My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family,” the 93-year-old monarch said in a six-sentence statement that mentioned the word “family” six times.
“Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.
“Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives.”
The Queen ended her statement with: “These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days.”
Previously, it was reported by royal correspondents from the BBC that no one in the Royal Family knew anything about Meghan and Harry’s decision to step down prior to the couple pressing ‘post’ on their social media announcement. Not even The Queen, who likely found out on Instagram just like the rest of us commoners.
The Royal Family’s first official statement on the matter read: “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.”
It’s an exciting time to not be the Royal family, isn’t it?
Read more:
- Just all the clues that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were always going to ‘quit’ the royal family.
- Inside the theory the Royal Family didn’t know about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to step down.
- Every single question we have after Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s announcement, answered.
Feat image: Getty.
What do you think about Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from senior royal duties? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
Top Comments
I don’t generally agree with Karl but on this I have to say he’s right (and piers makes a valid point- I do think this has Meghan all over it). Love the note meme. If you step back, in my mind you step back from the title, money and everything else entirely. The tweet talking about how difficult it will be for Harry to find a job when he’s never had one really is actually very apt.
I am sure Karl didn't like the press ripping him and Jasmine to shreds and all the crap printed about him etc. And Harry was in the army, is that not a real job? Plus being a Royal is a job (not a fun one, not one you get to choose, and you have to deal with crap like this... you could not pay me enough to deal with this kind of crap!). Harry has struggled with his role for years, poor fellow, and having his own family, with a wife who doesn't want to put up with a crappy life, means that they have made a decision to aim for a more normal life, well done and good luck to them both. Harry will never be king, he may as well do his own thing. I wish tyem both all the best, but sadly I think they will never escape negativity from the press.
If they had announced that they did not want to keep the Royal perks (titles and protection), but wanted to live as private citizens, the public and media would habe respected that decision. Instead, they cherry picked what they wanted to keep, and it turned out to be the things that were needed to spruik their new foundation.
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Prince Karl has a certain ring to it - but I'm trying to be neutral here